Eat Scene 2009

2009

Where to go and what to eat

CO N FA SU M LT IS W H H ED E N

fre e!

More than 250 restaurants listed!

Volume One

02

Eat Scene 2009

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

03

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

04

More online at VolumeOne.org

ANDREA PAULSETH

OFFICE

17 S. Barstow St. Eau Claire, WI 54701

CONTACT Phone: (715) 552-0457 Inter-web: www.volumeone.org Email: mail@volumeone.org PUBLISHER / EDITOR / ETC Nick Meyer SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR Trevor Kupfer ON-LINE EDITOR Mike Paulus RESOURCE & LISTINGS EDITOR Tyler Griggs RESTAURANT LISTING TASKFORCE Kinzy Janssen + Nikki Humphrey + Briana Krantz PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrea Paulseth + Drew Kaiser + Sarah Word + Hanna Agar + Frank H. Robnson + Jesse Johnson CONTRIBUTORS Heather Brunner + Carrie Weiss ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Shawn Brunner + Stefanie Jaeger ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Brian Moen ADVERTISING DESIGNER OJ Hornung THANKS Jeff Vahlbusch + Jesse Johnson + Ryan Perrigoue + Jeff Mares + Alex Krukowski + Sam Biwer + Gina Gonzalez + Valerie Parrish BASIC INFO Eat Scene is published by Volume One – a locally owned, locally operated, and locally focused magazine.

18,000 copies of Eat Scene were printed this go around, and they’re distributed to more than 300 locations in Eau Claire, Menomonie, and Chippewa Falls.

RESTAURANT INFO We did our best to include all restaurants in our area. If we missed yours or if you have a new restaurant that you’d like listed in the next issue of Eat Scene, call: (715) 552-0457 or email: mail@volumeone.org.

ON-LINE DINING GUIDE This entire guide is available in a highly searchable format on our website at www.VolumeOne. org. Every restaurant in the valley is listed and up-to-date, plus there are photos, maps/directions, and user reviews of nearly every restaurant in the area.

ADVERTISING INFO Eat Scene, the best and most complete guide to restaurants in the Chippewa Valley, is read by nearly 50,000 locals and tourists each year. If you’d like to advertise in the next issue of Eat Scene, call: (715) 552-0457 or email: mail@volumeone.org.

ON THE COVER An illustration for Eat Scene by Erik Christenson of Menomonie, WI. © 2009 Volume One The writing, artwork, and photography in Eat Scene remain the property of the authors, artists, & photographers. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the publication or its advertisers.

THE REUBEN ROCKET w/ ONION RINGS Bridge Street Station, Chippewa Falls

ANDREA PAULSETH

TROUT CAKES & MORE The Creamery Restaurant & Inn

YOUR GUIDE TO DINING IN THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY

CONTENTS

08 12 18 23 23 28 45 54 65 66

OFF THE MENU

ONE MORE AND I GOTTA GO

DINE LOCAL RAY’S PLACE

RESTAURANT LISTING INDEX

QUICK LIST INDEX

OUTDOOR DINING INDEX

ON-LINE DINING GUIDE INFO

HAYMARKET GRILL

WI-FI INDEX

DELIVERY INDEX

ADVERTISER INDEX BURRACHO’S

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

07

More online at VolumeOne.org

Off the Menu advice for out-of-the-ordinary ordering and cool combinations

By Trevor Kupfer and Kinzy Janssen

I

OFF THE MENU: Old-Fashioned Soda and Frozen Hot Chocolate RESTAURANT: Dairy Queen TIPSTER: Jesse Johnson, soft serve server

started working when I was 14 years old, bussing tables at a bar and grill. By the time I was in high school, I was flipping burgers at the same establishment. A few years later I tried my hand at waiting tables. When I returned from college over summers, I bartended. The typical tavern fare over those nine years stayed fairly stagnant for the patrons – grilled meat and deep-fried carbs, mostly – but the staff was always busy concocting new recipes by combining the few ingredients we had. We carved people out of potatoes and deep fried them; we made a cake from pancake batter; we made cheese curd wraps and sandwiches; we mixed and matched sauces; we filled burgers with god-knows-what. Our experiments occasionally caught on with regulars and became infamous secret orders. But we were far from the only ones doing this. As Volume One has uncovered during the past three years of the Eat Scene dining guide, restaurants throughout the Chippewa Valley have employees that are inventing the next great culinary creation.

ANDREA PAULSETH

When you work at an ice cream place, as Jesse Johnson can attest, the options are almost limitless for combining fruit, nuts, candy, and other tasty treats to your ice cream. And while the items that made Dairy Queen famous (Dilly Bar, Blizzard, Misty, etc.) are always solid snack options, some employees have turned to new creations. “Imagine an old ice cream shop in the 50s,” Jesse said to introduce The Old-Fashioned Soda, which comes complete with ice cream, soda water, and your choice of flavors (berry, chocolate, etc.) all covered with whipped cream and a lone cherry. The Frozen Hot Chocolate, another secret favorite, involves the makings for a misty slush, plus hot fudge, and ice cream.

Both run for around $2.50 at Eau Claire’s Menomonie Street location, and about 10 regular customers have caught on to the secret delights thus far.

OFF THE MENU: Amaretto Chicken RESTAURANT: Menomonie Log Jam TIPSTER: Ryan Perrigoue, bartender/cook

Sopa Azteca, Tacos Juanita – This chicken tortilla soup is a spicy taste explosion that features sour cream, cheese, avocado, lime, and tortilla strips.

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

08

As both a bartender and cook at Log Jam, Ryan fused the knowledge he’d accrued since the cozy bar and grill opened three years ago to create a secret, one-ofa-kind creation. “I like to make it for myself, but I don’t think anybody else knows about it since it’s not on the menu,” he said. You start with a chicken breast, he tells me, which you bread and brown on the stovetop before tossing it in the oven. Meanwhile he tosses a dash of amaretto liqueur in the pan to make a syrupy glaze for the chicken. He then tops the creation off with some sliced, roasted almonds, and serves it with a side of either rice or mashed potatoes.

Amaretto Chicken is not something you’d expect at a bar and grill known for its Lumberjack Burger (I picture it on the menu at Houligans or The Creamery), but that makes this secret item even more unique.

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

09

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

10

More online at VolumeOne.org

OFF THE MENU TREVOR KUPFER

among the regulars that know to order it.

Order it in small or medium quantities, or splurge on the large — an “extra huge meal-in-itself.”

OFF THE MENU: Deep-fried stuffed roasted jalapenos

RESTAURANT: Milwaukee Burger Co. TIPSTER: Alex Krukowski, assist. manager There are some people, believe it or not, that have never heard of deep-fried cheese curds. The poor souls. That single, ingenious creation led thousands of Wisconsinites to try deep-frying everything (Twinkies, candy bars, frozen turkeys, Cornish game hens, watermelons, you get the idea). Well Milwaukee Burger Co. is apparently no different, as staff members recently upped the ante on an existing menu appetizer. The Stuffed Roasted Jalapenos are vertically halved peppers, filled with cream cheese, bacon, and spices. Their new invention involves dipping them in cheese curd beer batter, deep frying them, and dipping it in ranch dressing. It’s like taking your run-of themill jalapeno popper and dropping it in a vat of green toxic goo, accidentally creating a superhero with the powers of “gooey, delicious mess.”

OFF THE MENU: The Conductor RESTAURANT: Mancino’s Grinders & Pizza TIPSTER: Sam Biwer, owner Whoot! Whoot! Make way for The Conductor, Mancino’s – Marked by a spicy blend of chipotle and horsey Dijon sauce, this flavor train is worth the trip.

OFF THE MENU: Mint w/ Green Coconut Maté RESTAURANT: InfiniTea Teahouse TIPSTER: Jeff Mares, co-owner

OFF THE MENU: Sopa Azteca RESTAURANT: Tacos Juanita TIPSTER: Gina Gonzalez, manager

“With 155 teas, I don’t know how you get bored,” Jeff Mares said. Yet, some of this teahouse’s regulars have experimented by requesting combinations of their teas, so much so that Mares and Andrew Seveland, the other owner, have kicked around the idea of having a combination competition for patrons someday.

Mares’ statement, however, may be a bit of the teapot calling the kettle black, as he invents a new flavor combination every time the shop get a new corporate account. While he highly recommends the State Theatre’s Chai with Caramel and the dreamsicle-esque Orange Black Tea with Vanilla, something everyone should give a try is Dessert First’s Mint with Green Coconut Maté. “It doesn’t sound that great to say it, but trust me, it’s amazing,” Mares assured.

If you’ve never heard the words “decadent” and “soup” mentioned in succession, then you’ve never tried the Sopa Azteca, a chicken tortilla soup secretly available at Tacos Juanita. The basis for this big bowl of wonderfulness is a red

Whenever Mancino’s announces its employee of the month, the proud staff member gets to invent his/her own grinder for a special. Since the restaurant has done it for about four years now, Sam Biwer said they’ve had all manner of grinders imaginable – from the weird (a recent Veggie Taco grinder had sour cream and tortilla chips on it, for instance) to the wonderful (like The Maui Tuna or Sgt. Wilson’s Pizza Grinder). “A few have even made it on the regular menu,” Sam said, citing the Veggie Gourmet and The Gobbler. The Conductor falls into the lat-

“It doesn’t sound that great to say it, but trust me, it’s amazing.”

– Jeff Mares, of InfiniTea, on the Mint with Green Cononut Maté chili broth — not thick — mixed with chicken and crisp tortilla pieces. The cooks then add a wallop of sour cream, throw on some cheese, add fresh avocado, and tuck in little “fingerlike” tortilla strips to crown it off. According to Gina, it’s not super spicy (about as spicy as a typical bowl of chili) and is very popular

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

11

ter category. “There’s a few regular customers that don’t order anything but The Conductor!” Sam said. This spicy flavor train has roast beef, mayo, horsey Dijon sauce, pickles, cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon, mushrooms, and chipotle.

More online at VolumeOne.org

One More and I Gotta Go... tour some of the best places in the Valley for tasty brews

By Heather Brunner

HAYMARKET GRILL

TAPS: 10 BOTTLES: 35 NOTABLE BREWS: Angry Minnow, McStukie’s Scotch Ale, Capital Brewery Maibock, Haymarket Grill Ale PINT PRICE RANGE: $4 Haymarket Grill is an upscale establishment that strives to serve food that is grown, raised, or created locally.

Their slogan is, “Think Globally. Dine Locally.” Keeping in step with this philosophy, they also serve many beers that come from the area. Brandon, the bartender working when we arrived, was very helpful in educating us on the beers they had available and knew a lot about where they came from and how they tasted. The beers on tap include Rush River IPA, Bell’s Porter, and South Shores Bavarian Wheat. One of Brandon’s favorite beers, though, is the

FRANK H. ROBINSON

W

hen the opportunity arose to visit all the local eateries and drinkeries in the area that serve unique or local brews, I asked myself, “Why in the world would I want to do that?” I mean, why would I want to visit a bunch of really cool places to sample a variety of extremely tasty microbrews? Reluctantly, I forged ahead and somehow talked my husband, Shawn, into joining me on this beer adventure. Now, before I tell you about what we found, I must let you know that neither of us really knows a whole lot about beer. Shawn did brew a couple of batches at home a couple of years ago, but like a lot of his hobbies it quickly fell by the wayside. We don’t know when something has a lot of hops or if wheat was used. We can’t tell if it tastes like chocolate, coffee, or Rocky Mountain spring water, either. The extent of our knowledge is visual – is it light or dark beer? Plus, we know what tastes good and that’s all that matters, isn’t it?

Tap of Leinie’s, honey, Galloway Grille – If you think this picture is making you thirsty, try reading through this delicious piece without licking your parched lips.

Angry Minnow McStukie’s Scotch Ale. This beer comes from a brewery in Hayward that I was unfamiliar with. It has a very smooth taste with a hint of chocolate and caramel. Another good seller is always whatever seasonal Capital Brewery beer is on tap. Make sure to go Tuesdays for half off bottled beers! Oh yeah!

HOULIGANS STEAK AND SEAFOOD PUB TAPS: 15 BOTTLES: 7 specialty and 12 domestics NOTABLE BREWS: Rocky’s Revenge, Franziskaner

PINT PRICE RANGE: $3.75-$5 Houligans is one of those places where you can get awesome food, but the atmosphere is so chill that I don’t get that everyone-is-looking-at-me-because-Idon’t-have-a-lot-of-money feeling. In addition to the food, every time I go

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

12

there I get to see Mike the Bartender.

He is one of my favs in town because he always calls Shawn and I “kids,” in the form of “so, how are you kids doing today?” I am sure this is something he repeats to others throughout the day, but if it makes me feel just a couple years younger, so be it! Mike is a self-described New Glarus “Spotted Cow kind of guy.” The other bartender, Adam, told us that he prefers the Franiskaner.

This is a German beer that has a very strong flavor. If you like a hefeweisen or wheat beer, this is your new beverage of choice! Another popular beer there is the Tyranena Rocky’s Revenge Bourbon Brown. Tyranena is a brewery found in Lake Mills. According to their website, the beer is named after a beast who legend says once lived in Rock Lake. That is reason enough for me to drink it, don’t know about you, though.

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

13

More online at VolumeOne.org

BEER HANNA AGAR

was the Surly Bender, brewed by Surly Brewing Company out of Minnesota. I truly thought this was an excellent beer.

It is quite dark, but very easy to drink.

DAS BIERHAUS

TAPS: 6 BOTTLES: 7 NOTABLE BREWS: Pilsener, Marzen, Schwarzbier

1/2 LITER PRICE: $4.50 I am so excited to tell you about Das Bierhaus in Menomonie! Honestly, I never knew this gem of a place existed in our area. All of the beers on tap are brewed on-site by a Bavarian Braumeister who was trained right in Germany! In order to keep the beer authentic and of top quality, all beers adhere to the German Beer Purity Law, also known as Reinheitsgebot or the 1516 rule. What this means is that only malts, hops, yeast, and water can be used to make the beer. Each of the six beers has their own individual glass, which is used to accentuate their differences. The best selling beer here is the Pilsener, a lighter golden beer with some punch. Shawn really liked the dark beer, Schwarzbier, that was on special the night we were there. Personally, I quite enjoyed the Marzen, which tastes much like a beer you might drink during Oktoberfest. Now whenever I get a hankering for polka music, wiener schnitzel, brats, or good beer, I just need to take a short ride on the interstate to Menomonie.

A line of house-brewed heaven, Northwoods Brewpub – Thirteen is typically bad luck, but not for the ever-popular microbrews at Northwoods.

MOGIE’S PUB & RESTAURANT

TAPS: 19 BOTTLES: 5 microbrews and 12 domestic NOTABLE BREWS: Goose Island Mild Winter, Sand Creek Golden Ale, Surly Bender PINT PRICE RANGE: $1.50-$3.75

say in such a blunt way. Because of this, they have happy hour pricing ALL DAY on Thursdays! So, if you are looking for a great beer at a good price, Mogie’s is a wonderful option. Of the 19 beers on tap, 13 are not your typical domestic beer, and all but two are seasonal. That

Now whenever I get a hankering for polka music, wiener schnitzel, brats, or good beer, I just need to take a short ride on the interstate to Menomonie.

– Das Bierhaus features house-brews from a Bavarian Braumeister While I have always loved Mogie’s for the burgers and yummy beers, they recently won even more of my heart. On their menu they write, “The economy is poop,” which I think is something we all can agree with, but maybe don’t always

means the beers change often. One of the beers that never changes is Guinness, which can only be described as the God of Beers. If you don’t think so, I tell you now that you are completely wrong. The beer that I tried on one particular day

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

14

NORTHWOODS BREWPUB

TAPS: 13 BOTTLES: 13 beers brewed on-site and 12 domestics NOTABLE BREWS: Bumbl’n Bubba’s Buzz ‘n Brew, Floppin’ Crappie, Lil’ Bandit Brown, Mouthy Muskie PINT PRICE: $3.75 When you walk into Northwoods Brewpub, you feel like you have entered a log cabin situated far back in ... well, the Northwoods (with a lake just inches away)! The smell of the fire burning in the fireplace makes you relax instantly.

It doesn’t hurt, either, that they have soft couches for relaxation. An even better bonus, as far as I am concerned, is the free popcorn, a staple I couldn’t live without, and the trivia game. Northwoods brews their beer right on-site. In addition to the beers always made, they also brew some seasonal beers. Right now they have the Bumbl’n Bubba’s Lingonberry Light, which has zero grams of fat for

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

15

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

16

More online at VolumeOne.org

BEER HANNA AGAR

all you dieters out there, and the IPA. Of all of their beers, one of the best selling is the Lil’Bandit Brown, which isn’t surprising given the fact that it won the silver medal at the Great American Brewfest in Denver. This darker beer is just a touch sweet, making for an interesting combination.

ZANZIBAR

TAPS: 7 BOTTLES: 20 NOTABLE BREWS: Rush River Broken Arrow, BubbleJack IPA, Peroni PINT PRICE RANGE: $2.75-$5 Zanzibar is located right across from the Mabel Tainter Theater in downtown Menomine. It is a wonderful place to go before or after a show. I would highly suggest the lahvosh, which is similar to a flatbread. It is enough to feed a couple of people, so don’t order one for yourself. OOPS! As unique is their food is, they also serve some rare beers. Among them is Peroni, an Italian beer that some might compare to a Heineken, but it isn’t nearly as skunky. Two other awesome beers that we tasted, Lost Arrow and BubbleJack IPA, were from Rush River Brewing Co. Out of River Falls, all of Rush River’s beers are unfiltered and unpasteurized. Lost Arrow is an extremely dark, super smooth porter that both Shawn and I loved! Loved! The BubbleJack is an excellent India Pale Ale that is described on the Rush River website as a “hop explosion.”

MILWAUKEE BURGER CO.

TAPS: 8 BOTTLES: 35 NOTABLE BREWS: South Shore Nut Brown Ale, Capital Brewery Island Wheat Ale, Tyranena Bitter Woman IPA PINT PRICE RANGE: $2.50-$3.75 OK, so I know many restaurants here in Wisconsin claim to have the best cheese curds. I tell ya, Milwaukee Burger Co. can give any of them a run for their money. They are extremely huge and full of gooey cheese that can string out of your mouth for miles. Plus, instead of delivering in a bunch of frozen generic foods, a lot of what they serve is fresh from their kitchen. For example, they make all of their own buns and french fries. Although this is probably considered a sports bar, there are many nontraditional beers. They have eight beers on tap, including PBR, two Leinie’s, Spotted Cow, and Rush River. One of the Leinie’s taps and the Rush River tap is

A pint of Guinness, Mona Lisa’s – this always solid Irish stout is located at a choice few pubs and eateries in the Valley (also including The Joynt, Dooley’s, and Stella Blues). being changed every couple of weeks, usually on a seasonal basis.

DOOLEY’S PUB

TAPS: 7 BOTTLES: 18 specialty, 56 imports, 13 ciders/malts, & 24 domestics (111 total) NOTABLE BREWS: Guinness and Smithwicks PINT PRICE RANGE: $2.75-$3.25 While Dooley’s has all of the qualities that an authentic Irish pub would have, they also have much more. In an attempt to include all parts of the world, they have beers from 18 different countries, among these being Australia, Belgium, China,

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

17

Holland, Singapore, New Zealand, and Poland. So, if you want variety, I would say this is your place. Plus, they have happy hour every day during prime bar hours, from 9pm to midnight, and also Monday through Friday from 3 to 6pm.

There were many beers on the menu that I had never heard of before. Shawn talked me into trying Carlsberg, a beer from Denmark. Apparently, he has fond memories of this beer and getting lost on a train in Spain. Don’t ask! I didn’t. The friendly bartender, Jeremy, told us that his favorite beer is Smithwicks, Ireland’s favorite ale. He said it isn’t as heavy as Guiness, but it still fills him up.

More online at VolumeOne.org

Dine Local several restauranteurs look to local producers for ingredients

By Carrie A. Weiss ANDREA PAULSETH

O

ver the course of several decades the labels “certified organic,” and “all natural” have become major players in the world of food, invading supermarkets and causing that pang of guilt when forced to choose between the 52-cent bananas and the 84-cent bananas. However, another player, ever present, though more discrete, has caused the saying, “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence,” to become all but obsolete for some Chippewa Valley restaurateurs.

An increasing number of local eateries are choosing to keep their fare exactly that: local. Rather than using a large distributor, restaurant owners and chefs are turning to producers in their own backyards for ingredients. Family-owned farms and farming cooperatives scattered throughout western Wisconsin and Minnesota are the providers for the establishments that have chosen to “go local.”

Terry and Paula Vajgrt own The Creamery Restaurant and Inn in Downsville. In the past year they have moved to taking maximum advantage of local products; “local, organic, sustainable, are really sort of our buzzwords ... when we’re sourcing out our food,” Terry stated.

Though these three terms are often grouped together, there are important distinctions between them. “The organic ‘tag’ isn’t necessarily our main motivator all the time. There are many people that are farming very sustainably, in very positive methods, that maybe don’t have

Local Artisan Cheese Plate, The Creamery – Executive Chef Brian Griep and the other Creamery staff strive for local ingredients in their menu items. best. That’s why we haven’t contributed to it.”

The practice of buying local allows restaurant owners to see for themselves where and how the products they use are grown, even if the farm isn’t certified organic. Vajgrt and his chef personally visit their numerous purveyors in Downsville, including Herby’s Bullfrog Fish Farm, and Promise Bison Farm, and beyond, like Bubbling Springs Farm in Menomonie. “It

“It certainly takes more time than opening up a catalog and going, ‘OK, we’ll take a case of this, a case of this ...

It takes more research, and it’s labor-intensive, no question.”

– Terry Vajgrt, co-owner of The Creamery, on buying local the designation of organic,” clarified Vajgrt. The USDA certification for organic farming is something that many local farms do not have.

One such farm is Alchemy Family Farm, near Colfax. Alchemy will provide its organically grown heirloom vegetables to The Creamery, Houligans, Hahn’s Market, and others this season. Owner Dean Parent’s philosophy on food echoes that of Vajgrt, and he feels that “The whole USDA designation of organic is flawed at

certainly takes more time than, (and I’m not dissing Sysco) opening up their catalog and going ‘OK, we’ll take a case of this, a case of this.’ ... It takes more research, and it’s more labor-intensive, no question. But it’s more fun, too,” said Vajgrt.

Clayton Brice runs the Harmony Corner Cafe in Eau Claire. Brice experiences the same challenge as Vajgrt in the time constraints of buying from a variety of organic, Amish, and Mennonite farms

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

18

rather than a single distributor. Another challenge faced by both Vajgrt and Brice is satisfying the customer. Buying local means serving what is in season, and Brice said, “there aren’t a ton of choices sometimes.”

This challenge is even more pronounced for locally owned international restaurants. Gregorio M. Gonzalez, owner and chef of Mexican restaurant Tacos Juanita in Eau Claire, can’t get all of his ingredients locally, because “we want to keep it authentic.” However, Gonzalez finds excellent produce at local farmers markets in the warm season, and makes a point to make his purchases there whenever possible.

Yeng Yang, proprietor of Pad Thai, in downtown Eau Claire, despite similar challenges, finds seasonal local markets more convenient, and feels good about supporting them, as “a lot of it is grown by the Asian community.”

Most importantly to the restaurateurs is that they are buying the freshest ingredients possible, summed up by Alchemy’s simple philosophy, from “Farm to Fork.”

A few other Chippewa Valley restaurants in the practice of buying local include Haymarket Grill, The Raw Deal, and Coffee Grounds.

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

19

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

20

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

21

More online at VolumeOne.org

ANDREA PAULSETH

CHICKEN CHIMICHANGA & PEACH MARGARITA El Patio

locallistings restaurant categories AMERICAN CASUAL ASIAN BAR & GRILL BAVARIAN BBQ CAFÉ/COFFEEHOUSE

24 27 30 38 38 38

CAJUN DESSERTS & TREATS FAMILY STYLE FAST FOOD FINE DINING GREEK

44 44 46 50 50 51

ITALIAN JAPANESE MEDITERRANEAN MEXICAN PIZZA RAW FOOD SANDWICHES/SUBS SEAFOOD STEAKHOUSE SUPPER CLUB

51 53 53 53 56 58 59 62 63 63

WORLD

64

restaurant quicklists SUNDAY BRUNCH OUTDOOR SEATING LATE NIGHT EATS VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY

MILWAUKEE BURGER CO.

25 28 41 46

WI-FI HOT SPOTS MENOMONIE CHIPPEWA FALLS DELIVERY

BLUE MOON FAMILY RESTAURANT

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

23

THE NUCLEUS

More online at VolumeOne.org

54 59 60 65

Local Listings steak and seafood, soup and sandwiches, Cajun and Asian, burgers and pizza – it’s all here ...

Look at all the places to eat! Many restaurants are hard to classify, so you’ll find them in multiple categories. Entrée prices are approximate. The icons indicate whether a restaurant features alcohol, delivery, group seating, smoking, and/or reservations (icon key found throughout). “Quick Lists” simmer down the complete listings into helpful guides. Red stars indicate restaurants that placed well in Volume One’s annual Best of the Valley Reader Poll. The “User Reviews” are from the more than 1,000 restaurant reviews you can find in the online version of the Eat Scene dining guide at www.VolumeOne.org. We did our best to track down the all the area’s restaurants, but if you find one missing, please contact us. Enjoy! wireless internet. Entrée: $7.05. G R

AMERICAN CASUAL 29 Pines Corner of Hwy. 29 and Co. Hwy. T, Eau

Claire • 874-2929 • A classy yet casual eatery serving up an eclectic and surprising mix of main entrées, as well as burgers, steaks, and seafood. The Sirloin 29 is a crowd pleaser, charbroiled and seasoned with a blend of 29 spices. Soup and salad bar after 11am.

Ask about the bar’s karaoke scene. Weekday happy hour runs from 4-7pm. Open for Sunday brunch, private party room, banquet services, vegetarian friendly.

Free wireless internet. Entrée: $10-$15. A G R

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar 4745 Golf

Rd., Eau Claire • 831-1255 • www.applebees.com • Applebee’s is a national chain known for “eatin’ good in the neighborhood.” With a large menu and a modern bar and grill vibe, they’re best known for their riblets and oriental salads. Vegetarian friendly, wireless internet, open late, carside-to-go service.

Entrée: $6-$15.. A G

• www.fannyhill.com • A Victorian inn featuring 11 well-appointed rooms and a full-scale dinner theatre, Fanny Hill is a destination spot for fine food and drink. The inn is well-known for its all-out seasonal décor and holiday feasts, and the secondary dining room enjoys beautiful garden- and river-views.

The stuffed mushroom caps, prime rib, fish fry, and Bailey’s Irish Dream dessert are local favorites, and the Sunday brunch buffet featuring made-to-order omelets is legendary. Outdoor seating, private party room. Walk-ins welcome. Entrée: $17. A G R

Franzwa’s Café and Custom Catering 800

Wisconsin St., Banbury Place, Eau Claire • 830-0075 • www.franzwas.com • A laidback breakfast and lunch spot nestled deep within Banbury Place, Franzwa’s invites you to make yourself at home. Daily favorites include the half-pound Banbury Burger (served on marble rye, piled with bacon, Swiss, onion, and BBQ sauce) and the new taste bud tingling, half-pound,

Galloway Grille 409 Galloway St., Eau Claire • 514-0751 • www.gallowaygrille.com • A classy yet casual place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (open 7am 7 days a week) decked out in historical photos and memorabilia of downtown Eau Claire, Galloway Grille is known for great burgers and signature salads.

Private party/meeting room available, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $8-$10. A G R Green Mill Restaurant & Bar, Eau Claire

2703 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 839-8687 • www. greenmilleauclaire.com • With its full menu available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, the Green Mill wants you to get full. Among other items, the menu features specialty pizzas, chicken wings, large salads, and a number of unique pastas such as the Butternut Squash Ravioli. The bar can mix up an impressive 82 different kinds of martinis and cosmopolitans. Check out the Sunday breakfast/brunch buffet. Private party room, vegetarian friendly, open late. Lunch Entrée: $8, dinner: $12. A D G R

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar, Menomonie 1815

N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3000 • www. greenmill.com • Whether it’s a lunch date, a gettogether, or a night out, there’s something for everyone on Green Mill’s robust, green menu. Local favorites include the mouth-watering pizzas, the burgers, and the steaks. Check out the Sunday breakfast/brunch buffet. Outdoor seating, catering, vegetarian friendly, open late on Fri and Sat. Free wireless internet. Lunch entrée: $8, dinner: $13. A D G R

Grizzly’s Grill ‘n’ Saloon 4890 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 832-6481 • www.grizzlysgrill.com • Grizzly’s is a relaxed, family-friendly grill with a bar side full of TVs and games, and a quieter (but still fun) ANDREA PAULSETH

Boston’s: The Gourmet Pizza 1920 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 832-5100 • www.bostonsec.com • Known for their big menu of pastas and pizzas, plus burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers, Boston’s has a sports bar vibe but with gourmet food. Check out their outdoor patio in season. Vegetarian friendly, open late. Free wireless internet, free delivery. Entrée: $10-$17. A D G R

Fanny Hill 3919 Crescent Ave, Eau Claire • 836-8184

Hot Mama Burger (Cajun seasoned, piled with jalapeños, Pepper Jack, and bacon). Make sure to try the homemade potato chips with special seasoning.

Homemade Soup and salad lunch buffet Mon. through Fri. (11am-2pm), private party rooms available after hours, comprehensive on/off-site catering services (Franzwa’s famous seasoned Charcoal Chicken is a hit for summer parties and weddings), vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$7. G R

Bridge Street Station 212 N Bridge St., Chippewa

Falls • 738-1111 • www.burgersandtrains.com • Trains cruise around the ceilings of Bridge Street Station, downtown Chippewa Falls’ hamburger wonderland.

But the décor is not the only thing chugging along, what with a menu of burgers featuring the likes of the Maui Express - topped with Canadian Bacon, pineapple and teriyaki sauce. The shop-front garage doors open up so you can enjoy fresh air along with your sweet potato fries, cheese curds, or special Hobo Wedges dipped in apricot-Dijon sauce. Top it all of with a thick malt. Vegetarian (veggie burger) friendly.

Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$8. A D G R Q

The Dulany 105 Garfield. Ave, Eau Claire • 836-

5261 • Specializing in a new all-you-care-to-eat lunch buffet every weekday during the school year, The Dulany is festooned with local historical photos and murals. The buffet always features at least one vegetarian dish. Be sure to sample the special holiday spreads. The Heritage Room – a recreation of a lumber Baron’s dining room – is available for private meetings. Very vegetarian friendly. Free

Though the name may suggest otherwise, Milwaukee Burger Company is an Eau Claire-exclusive eatery with giant cheese curds, live music, and (oh yeah) juicy burgers.

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

24

More online at VolumeOne.org

restaurant side. They have a full menu of appetizers, soups, salads, fish, burgers, pastas, wraps, and more.

Favorites include the oriental salad, Bear Creek pasta, and the steak-cheese-mushroom sandwich. There’s a Lite-n-Fresh menu, but there are also some amazing cheese fries. Entrée: $6-$17. A G R

Haymarket Grill 101 Graham Ave., Eau Claire •

552-3400 • www.haymarketgrill.com • Contemporary American style cuisine that constantly evolves in tune with the seasons, assuring some of the freshest ingredients in the valley. They feature an extensive lunch menu with appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches, pastas, and platters. Dinner is veritable worldly adventure with customized pastas, steaks, chops, seafood and more. Some of the more popular dishes include walnut burgers, Greek salads, and seafood.

An extensive list of beers, wines, and martinis are available. Catering services. Very vegetarian friendly, open late on weekends, outdoor seating available on the sidewalk. Free wireless internet. Lunch Entrée: $6-$10, dinner: $14-$30. A G R Q

James Sheeley House 236 W. River St., Chippewa Falls • 726-0561 • www.JamesSheeleyHouse.com • The James Sheeley House offers both fine and casual dining in vintage surroundings. Overlooking the Chippewa River, the restaurant features a three-story,

St., Eau Claire • 855-7666 • A humble neighborhood saloon and grill in the historic livery stable building.

Modern comfort food accompanies the old-time feel. Outdoor seating with fireplace, pool and game room, full bar. $6-$12. A G

Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N. Bridge St., Chippewa

Falls • 720-9800 • www.foreign5.com/lucys • The owners of Lucy’s brought a slice of New York to downtown Chipppewa Falls when they opened up their full-service deli and sandwich shop. One look at their famous reuben or hot beef sandwiches (made with Boar’s Head meat), and you’ll see what’s got the locals so excited. Soups, salads, and personal pizzas are all made from scratch. Be sure to check out Lucy’s Gooeys (caramel rolls) served every day. Private party/meeting room available, outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Limited delivery, free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$8. A D G R

Milwaukee Burger Company 2620 E Clairemont

Ave., Eau Claire • 834-6503 • Though the name might suggest this restaurant is a regional import, it’s not – this is the first Milwaukee Burger ever built. The menu features lots of great burger combinations, giant real cheese curds, and all sorts of tasty drink concoctions. Bestselling patty, the Famous Juicy Lucy, conceals a “molten core of cheese.” Open until

The stuffed mushroom caps, prime rib, fish fry, and Bailey’s Irish Dream dessert are local favorites, and the Sunday brunch buffet featuring made-to-order omelets is legendary.

Fanny Hill, Eau Claire turn-of-the-century saloon and a Victorian dining room. All of the sauces, soups, and dressings are homemade, and the menu spans sandwiches to steak to seafood. Private party room. Smoking in the saloon only. Entrée: $10-$20. A G S R

LaGrander’s Drive-In 18143 Co. Trk. X, Chippewa Falls • 723-0672 • Nothing says summer like a trip to the drive-in. A local landmark located right across from Ray’s beach, LaGrander’s makes their own root beer and scoops up country-style ice cream in addition to their classic drive-in fare. Eat in your car or one of the gazebos. Open May 1-Sept. 1, seven days a week, and weekends in April and September, weather permitting. Entrée: $2-$8.

Lake Wissota Golf Course 16108 97th Ave.,

midnight, Thursday through Sunday, and features live music on Saturday nights. Reservations available for parties of six or more. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée $4.50-$15. A G R

Mogie’s Pub and Restaurant 436 Water St., Eau

Claire • 836-9666 • www.mogiespub.com • With shiny hardwood floors, brick walls, and local memorabilia hanging left and right, Mogie’s generates a casual and fun vibe. Lots of classic pub food and a long line of tempting beer taps await, but the crown jewel of Mogie’s menu is a list of excellent specialty burgers. Bring some friends and order the cheesy Spuds o’ Plenty. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly, open late. Free wireless internet.

Entrée: $7. A G Q

Chippewa Falls • 1-888-382-4780 • www. lakewissotagolf.com • Lake Wissota Golf Course features four docks where boaters can tie up and stop in for a bite to eat. The dining area enjoys a gorgeous lake view and a relaxed atmosphere where you can grab a pizza or a burger. Regulars like the Friday fish fry, which runs from May to September. Outdoor seating, private party room, banquet services. Entrée: $5-$10. A G S R

Noodles & Company 4653 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 858-9000 • www.noodles.com • Quick and casual, Noodles offers a variety of dishes based on different kinds of, well, noodles. Crowd pleasers include the Japanese Pan Noodles, the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, and the Penna Rosa pasta. Fun facts: Noodles serves beer and wine, and all menu items can be prepared vegetarian. Delivery for groups of 12 or larger. Entrée: $5-$8. A G

The Livery aka Cowtown Saloon 316 Wisconsin

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2008 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Establishments open for breakfast and/or special brunch on Sunday morning.

29 Pines Hwy. 29 and Hwy. T, EC • 874-2929

Altoona Family Restaurant 2000 N. Hillcrest Pkwy. • 830-5000

The Barley Club at Pine Meadow 4324 Fairfax

Park Dr., EC • 831-9224

Blue Moon 805 S. Hastings Way, EC • 833-8036

Bridgewater Restaurant 1009 W. Park Ave., CF

• 723-6941

Burgandy’s 1202 W Clairemont, EC • 834-3181 Carl & Cindy’s Embers America 6220 Texaco Dr, EC • 874-6213

Chick-A-Dee’s 1928 3rd St, EC • 832-7724 Chippewa Family Restaurant 1701 Kennedy Rd, CF • 723-4751

Ciao Line Buffet 2225 Fairfax St, EC • 552-0370 City Limits Restaurant 2100 Co. Trk. B, Men • 235-1166

Connell’s II At the Airport 3800 Starr Ave, EC

• 833-9400

Country Kitchen 2308 E. Clairemont Ave, EC • 832-3677 // 1705 Plaza Dr, Men • 235-9541 The Creamery Restaurant & Inn E4620 Co. Rd. C, Downsville • 664-8354

Dana’s Bar & Grill 6505 Texaco, EC • 874-5954 Das Bierhaus 120 6th Ave. W, Men • 231-3230 Fanny Hill 3919 Crescent Ave, EC • 836-8184 Fox Run Tavern 1515 65th Ave., EC • 835-6489 Grand Ave Café 119 W. Grand, EC • 831-1100 Green Mill 2703 Craig Rd., EC • 839-8687 // 1815 N. Broadway St., Men • 235-3000

High Shores 17985 Co. Trk. X, CF • 723-9854 Maple Lounge & Café 2507 S. Hastings Way,

EC • 552-1998

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560 Oakwood Mall Dr., EC • 552-0510

Nucleus Café 405 Water St., EC • 834-7777 Old Country Buffet 2613 E Clairemont, EC • 834-7747

Parker’s Tuscan Grill 1919 Stout Rd., Men •

231-4999

Perkins 2025 Highland Ave., EC • 834-9911 // 1720 N. Broadway St., Men • 235-2234

Oakwood Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-0510 • www. northwoodsbrewpub.com • The hearty comfort food and breakfasts from the Norske Nook combined with the excellent pub grub and micro brews from Northwoods offers a culinary one-two punch capable of destroying your hunger. Check out the elk and buffalo dishes, fried cukes, and various lefse concoctions. Open for breakfast seven days a week.

Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, open late Fri. and Sat. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$17. A G R

6124

Outback Steakhouse 5020 Keystone Crossing, Eau

Wigwam Tavern 314 E Madison, EC • 834-9061

Claire • 552-5293 • www.outback.com • Home of the

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

25

Pioneer Grill & Saloon E5699 Co. Trk. D, Men • 235-9927

Porter’s 205 S. Barstow St, EC • 855-0856 Raw Deal 603 S. Broadway St., Men • 231-3255 Skoog’s Parkside 932 N. Broadway, Men • 235-

More online at VolumeOne.org

world-renowned Bloomin’ Onion appetizer, Outback Steakhouse is known far and wide for its robust, Aussie-centric meals. Steaks are cut from Midwestern grain-fed beef, the chicken and fish are never frozen, and most items are made fresh daily. Curbside takeaway, call ahead seating, vegetarian friendly, open late Fri and Sat. Entrée: $9-$20. A G R

Parker’s Tuscan Grill 1919 Stout Rd., Menomonie • 231-4999 • Parker’s offers up family-style eats in a comfortable, laidback atmosphere. The ribs are a hit, slow-roasted, grilled, and messy – glazed in a BBQ sauce made from scratch. The clam linguini is also a crowd-pleaser. Sunday brunch buffet from 10am2pm. Semi-private meeting room available, outdoor seating. Meatless pasta dishes available. Entrée: $6$15. A G R Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 2025 Highland Ave.,

Eau Claire • 834-9911 • www.perkinsrestaurants.com • Big, comfy booths and a homey feel make Perkins

attendees. Combo meals: $5-$6.

Stout Ale House 1501 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 233-3333 • www.stoutalehouse.com • Festooned with 37 TVs and packed with video games, dart machines, and pool tables, the Stout Ale House hopes you have a good time. Casual and fun, the eatery features a full menu of all-American food and a full bar with over 40 kinds of beer. A crowd favorite is the Combo Burger: two 1⁄4 lb. patties mixed with a grilled brat on a toasted hoagie roll.

Rent out a special “skybox” to recreate an at-thegame afternoon with friends. Outdoor seating, private party rooms/banquet hall, vegetarian friendly, open late. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$16. A G S R Sweetwaters Restaurant & Bar 1104 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-5777 • www. sweetwatersec.com • Upscale yet casual with a contemporary vibe, Sweetwaters is great for a night

Casual and fun, the eatery features a full menu of all-American food and a full bar with more than 40 kinds of beer.

Stout Ale House, Menomonie a great place for family dining. From breakfast to dinner, they’ve got you covered. The pancakes are a local favorite and the bakery offers pies, cookies, muffins and more. Breakfast served all day. Vegetarian friendly, open 24 hrs. Entrée: $5-$10. G Q

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 1720 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-2234 • www. perkinsrestaurants.com • With classic favorites like the Tremendous Twelve breakfast and the Chicken Tender Melt, not to mention seasonal specialty items, Perkin’s has something for the whole family any time day or night. Breakfast served all day. Curbside to-go service, vegetarian friendly, open 24 hrs. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$10. G R Q Red Robin 3005 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 834-4438 • www.redrobin.com • This energetic and fun chain eatery is known for its gourmet burgers, which come in more than 15 styles, all with bottomless steak fries. Open late Friday and Saturday, with the mascot appearing on Tuesdays. Entrée: $8-$11. A G Sonic Drive-In 2831 Hendrickson Dr., Eau Claire • 552-3229 • www.sonicdrivein.com • Sonic serves a full menu of burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken wraps, hot dogs, a breakfast menu (with breakfast burritos, sandwiches, french toast sticks and more) plus coffee, smoothie, limeade, and frozen treat selections. Order from the drive-thru or their parking stalls, with food delivered from roller skating

out on the town or a cozy dinner with drinks and conversation. Signature dishes include the Chipotle Ribeye and the chicken tchoupitoulas (served on a bed of ham and potato hash). Check out the lunch buffet and the Friday night fish fry. Outdoor seating, private party/banquet room, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Lunch Entrée: $8-$10, dinner: $8$25. A G R

T.G.I. FRiDAY’S 4800 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • 8301424 • www.fridayseauclaire.com • T.G.I. Friday’s is a national chain known for their big food and drink menu. The upbeat and friendly atmosphere is also home to one of the livelier bars and happy hour in town. Check out their every-night happy hour with half price tap beer and appetizers. Also check out their karaoke, darts, and other bar games. Open late, vegetarian friendly, call ahead seating available.

Entrée: $6-$19. A G R

Vally’s Restaurant 1117 Pumphouse Rd., Chippewa

Falls • 726-1199 • www.vallysrestaurant.com • With local art adorning the walls, Vally’s dining room overlooks the gorgeous Chippewa River, creating a relaxing dining experience. Sample the homemade soup and try the signature Grilled Caribbean Chicken Salad with honey lime dressing. The Friday fish fry and the fresh ham patty burger are favorites.

Open for breakfast all week, outdoor seating, private party room, catering services. Free wireless internet.

Entrée: $5-$7. A D G R

from the Dining Guide at: Egg Roll-Plus

“

1611 Bellinger St., Eau Claire • 832-6125

review by pookums

The stock is rich and glistening, the noodles tender, and everything is perfectly spiced.

Probably the best I’ve had since Wang’s Wok in Menomonie closed. As far as the decor, who cares? You go there to eat, not admire the walls. Portions are generous and the pricing is very fair. Great place, locally owned, & everything made to order fast.

”

Write your own restaurant reviews of more than 250 establishments at www.VolumeOne.org Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

26

More online at VolumeOne.org

ASIAN Asian Café 2121 Eddy Lane, Eau Claire • 852-0552 • A calming, quiet place specializing in dishes from southeastern Asia, including Thailand and Laos, the Asian Café uses fresh ingredients to prepare dishes right when they are ordered. Try the Pad Thai and/or the egg rolls - stuffed with pork, veggies, and bean threads. Lunch buffet Tue. through Fri., catering services, vegetarian friendly. Lunch Entrée: $6.50, dinner: $7-$9. A G R China Buffet 475 Chippewa Mall Dr., Chippewa Falls

• 726-9886 • A plentiful buffet of classic Chinese food guaranteed to send you home full. Try the House Fried Chicken, the coconut shrimp, and other tasty seafood offerings. Private party room, vegetarian friendly.

Lunch Entrée: $6, dinner: $7.50, $8.50 weekends. A G R

China Buffet 961 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 552-1198 • A hot buffet offering Asian favorites like fried rice, spring rolls, barbecued chicken on a stick, and all the crab Rangoon you can swallow. Vegetarian friendly. Lunch buffet: $7, Dinner buffet: $9. A G R Egg Roll-Plus 1611 Bellinger St., Eau Claire • 832-

6125 • The menu at Egg Roll-Plus hops from Thai to Vietnamese to Laotian to Chinese cuisine, all in the span a few modest pages. The special stir-fries and gargantuan bowls of rice-noodle soup are hot items, but the namesake egg rolls are worth the trip alone – enjoy a few in the modest dinning area or take some home for the whole family. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$7. G

Fortune Cookie Chinese Restaurant, Eau Claire

1702 Harding Ave., Eau Claire • 833-0088 • A Chinese takeout and delivery joint offering a host of standards – everything from vegetable lo mein to deep-fried chicken wings. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $4-$7. D

Fortune Cookie Chinese Restaurant, Menomonie

319 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3532 • A casual place for Chinese featuring a long lineup of the usual suspects – chow mein, sweet-n-sour pork, cashew chicken, fried rice, and so on. Popular items include the chicken broccoli and the aromatic chicken.

Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$6. D G R

Golden Dragon 2709 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 552-2790 • All of your Asian favorites available for dine-in, carry-out, or delivery. Vegetarian friendly.

Entrée: $4-$6. D G Great Wall Buffet 1431 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 838-9666 • One of the Valley’s larger Chinese buffets, the Great Wall places a wall of food between you and the door. In addition to the standard Chinese dishes, the restaurant features a “Mongolian Barbeque” style grill where you can select ingredients and sauces to be stir-fried before your hungry eyes. Vegetarian friendly.

Lunch Entrée: $7.50, dinner: $9.50. A G R Jade Garden 3620 Gateway Dr., Eau Claire • 833-

9868 • www.myspace.com/jadegardeneauclaire • A large Chinese buffet featuring row after row of popular appetizers. Expect all your favorite Asian dishes to make an appearance, along with a few pleasant surprises. Private party room, free wireless internet, vegetarian friendly. No delivery on Mondays. Entrée: $7-$9. A D G R

Jumbo House 2633 Birch St., Eau Claire • 835-9188 • A Chinese buffet with a dedicated takeout counter, Jumbo House sets itself apart by offering seriously large portions. A single crab Rangoon could be used as a delicious, deep-fried beanbag chair. The menu features Szechwan, Hunan, and Cantonese cuisine, so Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

27

More online at VolumeOne.org

Establishments identified with an al fresco option – decks, patios, sidewalks, etc.

eau claire

The Livery aka Cowtown Saloon 316 Wisconsin

Cravings Coffee Shop 1320 N. Broadway St.,

The Living Room Coffee House & Drive-Thru

Culver’s 1330 Stout Rd, Men • 233-0330 Golden Leaf Café 1706 Stout Rd, Men • 231-

St., EC • 855-7666

A & W 4732 Golf Rd., EC • 833-8887 Acoustic Cafe, Eau Claire 505 S. Barstow St.,

2006 Cameron St, EC • 831-0245

Suite 1, Men • 231-2222

Manny’s Cocina 4207 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, EC •

5323 • www.goldenleafcafe.com

Albertville Tavern 8114 35th, Colfax • 874-6217 The Barley Club at Pine Meadow 4324 Fairfax

Mike’s Smokehouse 2235 N. Clairemont Ave.,

1815 N. Brdwy, Men • 235-3000 • greenmill.com

Boston’s: The Gourmet Pizza 1920 S. Hastings

Moe’s Diner 12701 10th St, Osseo • 597-3912 Mogie’s Pub and Restaurant 436 Water St., EC

EC • 832-9090 • www.theacoustic.com/eauclaire

Park Dr., EC • 831-9224

Way, EC • 832-5100 • www.bostonsec.com

Buffalo Wild Wings 4612 Keystone Crossing, EC • 858-9453 • www.buffalowildwings.com

Burrachos Fresh Mexican Grill 5314 Prill Rd., EC • 834-1843 // 329 Water St., EC • 835-6195 • www.burrachos.com Ciao Line Family Buffet 2225 Frfx, EC • 552-0370 The Coffee Grounds 3460 Mall Dr., Hwy. 93, EC • 834-1733 // 2116 Craig Rd., EC • 797-2198 Cold Stone Creamery 4613 Keystone Crossing, EC • 831-8482 • www.coldstonecreamery.com

Connell’s Club 12 E11295 Hwy. 12 • 877-2140 The Creamery Restaurant & Inn E4620 Co. Rd. C, Downsville • 664-8354 • thenewcreamery.com

Culver’s 2021 Brackett Ave, EC • 831-1060 //

2520 Folsom St., EC • 831-0741 • culvers.com

Dana’s Bar & Grill - Eau Claire 6505 Texaco Dr.,

EC • 874-5954

Dooley’s Pub 442 Water St., EC • 834-2388 • www.dooleyspub.com

Draganetti’s Ristorante 3120 Hillcrest Pkwy., Altoona • 834-9234 • www.draganettis.com

Erbert and Gerbert’s 409 Water St, EC • 8359995 • www.erbertandgerberts.com

Fanny Hill 3919 Crescent Ave, EC • 836-8184 • www.fannyhill.com

Fischer’s On The Green 2333 Hillcrest Pkwy.,

Altoona • 832-9711 • www.fischersgreen.com

Fox Run Tavern 1515 S. 65th Ave., EC • 835-

6489 • www.foxruntavern.com

The Goat Coffee House 408 Water, EC • 831-4491 Grand Avenue Café 119 W. Grand, EC • 831-1100 Harmony Corner Café 2855 Mall, EC • 552-5530 Haymarket Grill 101 Graham Ave., EC • 552-

514-0818 • www.mannysmexican.com

EC • 834-8153

• 836-9666 • www.mogiespub.com

Mona Lisa’s 428 Water St., EC • 839-8969 • www.monalisas.biz

Monkey in the Middle Pizza 2402 Lorch Ave, in Action City, EC • 838-9663 • actioncityfun.com

Noodles & Company 4653 Keystone Crossing,

EC • 858-9000 • www.noodles.com

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560 Okwd Dr., EC • 552-0510 • northwoodsbrewpub.com

Panera Bread 4601 Keystone Crossing, EC •

834-9752 • www.panerabread.com

Piff’s Pizza at the Eagle’s Club Eagle’s Club, 2588 Hallie Rd, Hallie • 456-7433

Pioneer Grill & Saloon E5699 Co. Trk. D, Men •

235-9927 • www.pioneergrill.com

Quizno’s 2520 Golf Rd, EC • 834-7827 // 913 S. Hastings Way, EC • 834-2388 • www.quiznos.com Ray’s Place 838 Water St., EC • 832-3991 Shanghai Bistro 2930 Craig Rd., EC • 835-3348 Smith’s Country Inn Hwy. 37, EC • 836-9003 Sonic Drive-In 2831 Hendrickson Dr., EC • 5523229 • www.sonicdrivein.com

Stella Blues 306 Madison St., EC • 855-7777 • www.stellablues.biz

Sweetwaters Restaurant & Bar 1104 W. Clrmnt Ave., EC • 834-5777 • sweetwatersec.com

Tacos Juanita Mexican Restaurant 2873 E.

Hamilton Ave, EC • 835-3229

The Nucleus Café 405 Water St., EC • 834-7777 • www.racysnucleus.com

Whiskey Dicks 943 Harlem Ave., Altoona • 8293425 • www.whiskeydicks.net

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar, Menomonie Menomonie Family Restaurant 2616 Hils Ct, Men • 235-9000 • www.Menfamilyrestaurant.com

Menomonie Log Jam 709 S. Broadway St., Men • 235-0703 • www.Menlogjam.com

Parker’s Tuscan Grill 1919 Stout, Men • 231-4999 Quizno’s 2521 Hills Ct., Suite A, Men • 233-2064 Skoog’s Parkside 932 N. Broadway St, Men • 235-6124 • www.skoogsparkside.com

Stout Ale House 1501 N. Broadway St., Men • 233-3333 • www.stoutalehouse.com

Waterfront Bar & Grill 512 Crescent St., Men • 235-6541

chippewa falls

Bridge Street Station 212 N Bridge St., CF • 738-1111 • www.burgersandtrains.com Camille’s Sidewalk Café 1120 122nd St., Suite 3, CF • 833-2233 • www.camillescafe.com/

The Coffee Grounds 3042 Commercial Blvd., CF • 797-2370 • thecoffeegrounds.com

Culver’s 2573 Commercial Blvd, CF • 726-9343 Dana’s Bar & Grill - Chippewa Falls 465

Chippewa Mall Dr., CF • 726-1749

Eisold’s Irvine Bar 130 Fleet St., CF • 720-1280 Glen Loch Saloon 1300 Jeffrsn, CF • 723-1297 High Shores Supper Club 17985 Co. Trk. X, CF • 723-9854 • www.highshores.com

JimBob’s Pizza 3636 Melby St, CF • 836-0909 • www.jimbobspizza.com

LaGrander’s Drive-In 18143 Co. Trk. X, CF •

723-0672

Lake Wissota Golf Course 16108 97th Ave., CF • 1-888-382-4780 • www.lakewissotagolf.com

Loopy’s Saloon & Grill 10691 Business. Hwy. 29,

Hilltop 924 E Madison St, EC • 835-9223 Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub 415 S. Barstow

menomonie

CF • 723-5667 • www.723loop.com

• 235-1115

Jersey’s Neighborhood Sports Bar & Grill

Bullfrog’s Eat My Fish Farm N1321 Bullfrog Rd., Men • 664-8775 • www.eatmyfish.com/

Piff’s Pizza 622 N. Bridge Street, CF • 720-0915 Schreck’s Place 10764 Co. Hwy. Q, CF • 288-

3400 • www.haymarketgrill.com

St., EC • 835-6621 • www.houligans.net

2839 Mall Dr., EC • 552-5929

Acoustic Cafe, Menomonie 102 Main St., Men

Caribou Coffee 2321 State Hwy 25 N #308, Men

• 235-3627 • www.cariboucoffee.com Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

28

Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N. Bridge St., CF • 7209800 • www.foreign5.com/lucys

6331 • www.schrecksplace.com

Vally’s Restaurant 1117 Pumphouse Rd., CF • 726-1199 • www.vallysrestaurant.com

More online at VolumeOne.org

you’ll have no trouble finding all your Asian favorites.

Vegetarian friendly, private party room. Takeout Entrée: $4-$10, lunch buffet: $7, dinner buffet: $9.

A G R

Kingdom Buffet 1502 E. 9th St., Menomonie • 233-

0465 • As the name implies, an empire’s worth of food awaits you at the Kingdom Buffet. Whether you like your Chinese cuisine steamed, stir-fried, or deep-fried, there’s something for everyone. Vegetarian friendly.

Lunch buffet: $6.50, dinner: $8. A G R

Noodle Wrap 3021 Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-0525

• Noodle Wrap is an unassuming, quiet place for fresh Asian fare with an emphasis on Hmong dishes.

Meals are prepared the minute they’re ordered. Stirfries, soups, and other dishes can be had with veggies, chicken, or shrimp. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $8$12.50. A G

Noodles & Company 4653 Keystone Crossing,

Eau Claire • 858-9000 • www.noodles.com • Quick and casual, Noodles offers a variety of dishes based on different kinds of, well, noodles. Crowd pleasers include the Japanese Pan Noodles, the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, and the Penna Rosa pasta. Fun facts: Noodles serves beer and wine, and all menu items can be prepared vegetarian. Delivery for groups of 12 or larger. Entrée: $5-$8. A G

Pad Thai 203 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 552-1715 • Take a seat in the tidy dining area and peruse Pad Thai’s menu of unique Asian fare. All items can be custom made to your preferred level of hotness, ranging from “seriously, not hot at all” to “seriously, get me some water.” The namesake Pad Thai noodles are the local choice, and most people order the dish with chicken, although tofu is also popular. Carry out available.

Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $6-$14. A R Q Quick Wok 501 Water St., Eau Claire • 832-4545 •

The name says it all: timely Chinese delivery is the daily special at this Water Street staple. Takeout favorites like chow mein, lo mein, crab rangoon, moo goo gai pan, and ... wait for it ... fried rice span the menu, but the General Tso’s Chicken just might turn you into a regular customer. Vegetarian friendly.

Entrée: $5.50. D

Shanghai Bistro 2930 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 835-

3348 • A contemporary urban atmosphere thrives at Shanghai Bistro - Eau Claire’s only true sushi and sashimi house. Using centuries-old preparation techniques while experimenting with fresh, new seafood (and other ingredients) from well beyond the Midwest, the Bistro’s chefs keep things lively.

Signature sushi includes a number of rolls, including the Red Dragon Roll, and the Strange Flavor Chicken stir-fry is a local favorite. Live music Wed, Fri, and Sat, outdoor seating, very vegetarian friendly. Reservations are taken for groups of 8 or more. Entrée: $8-$9, ala carte sushi starts at $5. A G R Q

Stir Fry 88 4800 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • 836-0044 • www.oakwoodmall.com • Located in the Oakwood Mall, Stir Fry 88 specializes in their stir fry dishes.

Check out the General Tso if you’re cravings go beyond stir fry. Entrée: $5. G

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant 2426 London Rd., Eau

Claire • 834-0313 • A teppanyaki-style restaurant where hungry patrons sit around an iron griddle and look on as the trained chef prepares your meal, cajoling fresh ingredients into miniature acrobatics. The fresh seafood dishes are a particular favorite. Teppanyaki dining is available for dinner only, while patrons can be seated at non-grill-containing tables for a lunch of traditional Japanese cuisine. Vegetarian friendly.

Closed Mondays. Entrée: $14-$20. A G R Q Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

29

More online at VolumeOne.org

FRANK H. ROBINSON

Chuck’s On Clairemont 1807 N. Clairemont Ave.,

Eau Claire • 835-2485 • Open for breakfast Monday through Saturday at 6am, Chuck’s is a casual place to hang out, talk, and have a great homemade meal.

Crowd favorites include the ribs on Wednesday, and the chicken wings (served all week). Check out the summer bean bag league. Business delivery, outdoor seating. Entrée: $3-$9. A D G R

Dana’s Bar & Grill - Chippewa Falls 465 Chippewa

Mall Dr., Chippewa Falls • 726-1749 • A sports bar restaurant known for great ribs and steaks. Weekdays feature a pizza and salad lunch buffet from 11am2pm. Some outdoor seating, open late. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$20. A G S R

Dana’s Bar & Grill - Eau Claire 6505 Texaco Dr., Eau Claire • 874-5954 • A log cabin-y sort of sports bar restaurant known for great ribs, steaks, and burgers. Weekdays feature a pizza and salad lunch buffet from 11am-2pm. Technically located in Elk Mound, smoking is still allowed at Dana’s. Some outdoor seating, open late. Free wireless internet.

Entrée: $5-$18. A G S R Dean & Sue’s Bar & Grill 2002 Midway Rd.,

The local favorite at the cozy Amber Inn Bar & Grill near downtown Eau Claire is a halfpound burger on a homemade toasted roll and a pile of fries.

BAR & GRILL Albertville Tavern 8114 35th St., Colfax • 874-6217

• A casual, family place where the generous Friday fish fry and BBQ ribs are legendary, but the prime rib (served Wed. and Sat.) draws people from halfway across the state. Word has it the bar will serve you the

outdoor seating, delivery services, Sunday brunch available. Kitchen will stay open late depending on size of crowd. Entrée: $6-$8, $5-$10 on Friday night.

A D G R

Bresina’s Hometown Bar and Grill 12037 County Highway B, Chippewa Falls • 288-6303 • This country karaoke bar features a number of daily specials from

People come from miles around just to grab a beer and an excellent hot beef sandwich served on a pile of napkins.

Ray’s Place, Eau Claire best Old Fashioned in all of Albertville. Outdoor seating, open late (for pizza). Lunch Entrée: $8, dinner: $10-$12. A G S R Q

tacos and burgers to chicken wings and a Friday fish fry. All that plus homemade pizzas. Entrée: $3-$5. A G S R

Amber Inn Bar & Grill 840 E. Madison St., Eau Claire

Brewski’s 1202 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire

• 832-0568 • An “original” bar and grill where the food is prepared right behind the bar, the Amber Inn is a neighborhood favorite. The signature half-pound, all-beef burgers are served up on a toasted homemade roll, and independent experts have officially classified them as “spectacular.” Open late. Lunchtime delivery to businesses only. Entrée: $5-7. A G

The Aqua Lounge and Grille in Metropolis Hotel,

5150 Fairview Dr., EC • 852-6000 • http://metropolishotel.com • Whether it’s meeting friends for a cocktail or grabbing a light dinner, The Aqua Lounge fits the bill. With traditional appetizers and tasty sandwiches platters, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your hunger. Try the explosive Chocolate Volcano for dessert. Private banquet room with menu available. Some vegetarian options available. Entrée: $4-$8 A G

The Barley Club at Pine Meadow 4324 Fairfax

Park Dr., Eau Claire • 831-9224 • Fun and friendly, The Barley Club offers food with a great view of the Pine Meadow golf course. The signature Friday fish fry – served with homemade potato salad and coleslaw – features deep-fried walleye, baked or fried cod, or battered shrimp or shrimp scampi. Outdoor seating, banquet and catering services. Free wireless internet,

• 834-3181 • This casual lounge is attached to The Plaza Hotel and Burgandy’s Restaurant. Signature dish: Burgandy’s Ribeye Grill. Popular 8 oz chargrilled burgers are the Ultimate (roasted red peppers and garlic aioli on an onion roll) and the Whata Burger (applewood smoked bacon and cheddar, served on an onion roll). Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$12. A

Menomonie • 235-9940 • Dean and Sue’s is the place for a laidback, good time. Regular patrons love the Philly steak sandwich – beef, cheese, green peppers, and onions piled between two slices of Texas toast.

Check out the karaoke action on Friday nights and ask about the bean bag league. Volleyball court, outdoor seating, private party room, dance hall, open late. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5.50-$6.75. A G S R

Dooley’s Pub 442 Water St., Eau Claire • 834-2388 • www.dooleyspub.com • A relaxed Irish restaurant and sports bar and relaxed hangout destination. Specialties include traditional Irish food, but American fare like burgers, sandwiches, and wings abound. Some outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $6-$11. A G R Q Doubleday’s Sports Bar and Grill 3020 London

Rd., Eau Claire • 833-2255 • Doubleday’s has been a sports bar and grill destination in King’s Plaza on Eau Claire’s south side for quite a while. A wide range of ages calls it their hangout, and they have plenty of TVs, darts, pool tables, and video games to go around.

Burgers are on special all the time, and the calzones are among the more popular menu items. Vegetarian friendly, open late on weekends. Entrée: $4-$8. A G S R

Duncan Creek Wine Bar and Grille 213 N. Bridge

St., Chippewa Falls • 723-7000 • Customers have compared their dining experience at Duncan Creek to that of a casual, metropolitan bistro. This eatery features a nightly special along with signature dishes such as the pan-seared halibut, the chicken messina stuffed with mozzarella and goat cheese and topped

from the Dining Guide at: Amber Inn Bar & Grill

“

840 E. Madison St., Eau Claire • 832-0568

review by Raq724k

I was here last night for the first time, and I thought, “OK a little hole in the wall bar.” But then I went inside and thought, “Oh this is kind of cute.” Then we had burgers and, wow, I was very surprised at how good it was. The food was good the drinks were good. I am now going to not judge a book by its cover anymore.

”

Write your own restaurant reviews of more than 250 establishments at www.VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

30

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

31

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

32

More online at VolumeOne.org

with a tomato vodka sauce all over ricotta ravioli, or the caramel fried banana dessert. More than 70 varieties of wine to choose from. Vegetarian options available.

Entrée: $10--$19. A G R

Eisold’s Irvine Bar 130 Fleet St., Chippewa Falls • 720-1280 • This cozy and spacious tavern and restaurant features nightly specials and signature menu items such as the Railroader Wrap, jumbo shrimp dinner, ribeye steak, and homemade chips and onion rings. Enjoy buck burgers on Sunday and Monday; come back for all you can eat tacos on Tuesday or wings on Wednesday; fill up on the fabulous fish fry on Friday, or some shrimp and steak for a Saturday surf and turf. Food available after 10pm and check out the outdoor patio seating. Entrée: $5-$7. A D G S R Fill-Inn Station 104 W. Columbia St., Chippewa

Falls • 723-6551 • www.fillinnstation.com • A casual neighborhood bar and grill and former gas station known for their Canadian walleye, ribeye steaks, homemade cheese curds, and burgers. Plus homemade pizzas, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, six Leinenkugels on tap at all times, and Bloody Marys served with fresh shrimp and a beer chaser. Private party hall. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $9-$15, sandwiches $5-$8.

A G S R

Four Corners 14982 Co. Hwy. F, Chippewa Falls • 723-6783 • Open at 7am Monday through Saturday for breakfast, Four Corners has a homey, family atmosphere. The fried chicken is a hit with the locals, and other favorites include the Friday night fish fry and the prime rib on Saturdays. Check out the large wellstocked salad bar. Reservations suggested for very large groups. Private party room, banquet services.

Entrée: $4-$17. A D G S R Fox Run Tavern 1515 S. 65th Ave., Eau Claire • 835-

6489 • www.foxruntavern.com • Affording diners a great view of the local pines, Fox Run specializes in classic bar food like quarter- and half-pound burgers and hot beefs. If you’re looking for something more exotic, try the homemade pizza. Sunday brunch buffet, volleyball courts, outdoor seating, private party deck, catering services, open late. Entrée: $5-$8. A G S

Galloway Grille 409 Galloway St., Eau Claire • 514-

0751 • www.gallowaygrille.com • A classy yet casual place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (open 7am 7 days a week) decked out in historical photos and memorabilia of downtown Eau Claire, Galloway Grille is known for great burgers and signature salads. Private party/ meeting room available, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $8-$10. A G R

Girolamo’s Court ‘n House Bar 113 W. Grand Ave.,

Eau Claire • 832-5478 • A fun, family-owned bar and grill that attracts a wide range of patrons, the Court ‘n House is best known for its juicy 1/3 lb. burgers served on a grilled beef bun. Other favorites include the Icelandic Cod fish fry on Fridays and the Thursday night karaoke. Ask about the dart league. Open late.

Entrée: $5-$10. A G Q

Glen Loch Saloon 1300 Jefferson Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-1297 • A casual saloon serving burgers,

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2008 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

33

More online at VolumeOne.org

DREW KAISER

bathroom (sorry ladies) and word has it that Badger and Packer game nights are a hoot. Outdoor seating.

Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7. A G

Kyote’s Den Bar & Grill E2339 Hwy 29, Menomonie • 235-2777 • A classic bar and grill, Kyote’s is laidback and friendly. The trademark Kyote Burger is piled high with cheese and green peppers. Don’t forget about the Friday night fish fry, or the $1 beer special on Sunday. Entire menu available for takeout, open late. Entrée: $6-$8. A G S R The Livery aka Cowtown Saloon 316 Wisconsin

St., Eau Claire • 855-7666 • A humble neighborhood saloon and grill in the historic livery stable building.

Modern comfort food accompanies the old-time feel.

Outdoor seating with fireplace, pool and game room, full bar. $6-$12. A G

Loopy’s Saloon & Grill 10691 Business. Hwy. 29, Chippewa Falls • 723-5667 • www.723loop.com • A log cabin atmosphere sets the stage for casual eating at Loopy’s. Located right on the Chippewa River, the fish fry and homemade pizza are popular menu items, but make sure to check out the terrific nachos.

Weekday lunch buffet, outdoor seating, outdoor private party area, banquet services, volleyball courts, tube/canoe/kayak rentals. Vegetarian friendly, free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$8. A G S R Q

The list of specialty burgers is the crown jewel of the menu at Mogie’s Pub and Restaurant, along with a formidable line of beer taps and the famous Spuds o’ Plenty. sandwiches, homemade pizzas, and a wide array of deep fried stuff. Entrée: $8-$25. A D G S

Golden Spike Bar & Grill 228 Division St., Altoona • 552-5526 • There’s a whole new menu for 2008 at this small town neighborhood bar and grill, but they’ve still got the burgers that keep the locals coming back for more. Check out breakfast on Sundays. Open late, 250-person banquet hall available. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5. A G S Grizzly’s Grill ‘n’ Saloon 4890 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 832-6481 • www.grizzlysgrill.com • Grizzly’s is a relaxed, family-friendly grill with a bar side full of TVs and games, and a quieter (but still fun) restaurant side. They have a full menu of appetizers, soups, salads, fish, burgers, pastas, wraps, and more.

Favorites include the oriental salad, Bear Creek pasta, and the steak-cheese-mushroom sandwich. There’s a Lite-n-Fresh menu, but there are also some amazing cheese fries. Entrée: $6-$17. A G R Hallie Bar and Grill 1713 Cty. Hwy OO, Hallie

• 861-3870 • A popular game day spot, the Hallie Bar and Grill also has a full pub menu. Between cheers and boos, grub on over 20 different burgers.

The Western Burger gets a cheer, with a half pound of ground beef, bacon, cheese, onion, and barbecue sauce. Check out the Friday night Fish Fry. Daily drink and meal specials offered. The grill is open until 9pm weeknights, and 10pm Friday and Saturday.

Entreé $5-$20. A G S R

Hilltop 924 E Madison St, Eau Claire • 835-9223 •

A long-time neighborhood hang out, Hilltop offers classic bar food like burgers made to order. Check out the lunch specials Monday through Friday. Delivery available for large orders. Entrée: $5-$7. A G

Hipps Pub-N-Grub S7650 State Rd. 37, Eau Claire • 834-7822 • The former Oak Wood Bar & Grill whips up everything from burgers and pizza to pasta and prime rib. The Friday night fish fry is pretty popular,

but the owner encourages you to delve into a Philly Cheesesteak. Also try their broasted chicken with coleslaw, Manhattan bread (spicy garlic bread) and a twice-baked potato on the side. Full bar, private party room, open late, smoking allowed. $4-$13. A G S

Jensen’s Bar and Grill 19 W. Central St., Chippewa

Falls • 861-3838 • Open seven days a week, Jensen’s is an “old school tavern” offering a full menu of traditional (and hot!) pub fare. Hot wings, hot ham n’ swiss, and homemade hot beer mustard are soughtafter items. Try the Steak ‘n’ Taters plate, an eightounce steak served with coleslaw and Jensen’s own, always-fresh French fries. Homemade soups are also a hit. Reservations taken for large groups but are not required. Free wireless internet. Entreé $5-$7. A G S R

Jersey’s Neighborhood Sports Bar & Grill 2839

Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-5929 • Known for 100% Angus beef burgers like the BBQ Pepperjack and the humongous All-Star Appetizer Platter, Jersey’s has 20 TVs on which to view the big game (THE sports you want to see in HD). There’s even a TV in the men’s

Menomonie Log Jam 709 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-0703 • www.menomonielogjam.com • The deep booths, warm colors, and dark woodwork give the Log Jam a cozy, classy atmosphere. But don’t think it’s all posh and snooty; the menu’s signature item – the Lumber Jack Burger – is a half-pound burger topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, fried onion slices, and BBQ sauce. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, free wireless internet. Smoking allowed after 3 pm. Lunch Entrée: $7-$9. A G S R Milwaukee Burger Company 2620 E Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-6503 • Though the name might suggest this restaurant is a regional import, it’s not – this is the first Milwaukee Burger ever built.

The menu features lots of great burger combinations, giant real cheese curds, and all sorts of tasty drink concoctions. Bestselling patty, the Famous Juicy Lucy, conceals a “molten core of cheese.” Open until midnight, Thursday through Sunday, and features live music on Saturday nights. Reservations available for parties of six or more. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée $4.50-$15. A G R Mogie’s Pub and Restaurant 436 Water St., Eau

Claire • 836-9666 • www.mogiespub.com • With shiny hardwood floors, brick walls, and local memorabilia hanging left and right, Mogie’s generates a casual and fun vibe. Lots of classic pub food and a long line of tempting beer taps await, but the crown jewel of Mogie’s menu is a list of excellent specialty

from the Dining Guide at: Galloway Grille

“

review by maralyn

409 Galloway St., Eau Claire • 514-0751

Their menu has evolved into a something for everyone and you can’t beat their burgers. We had a Christmas party in their back room and it was a great place for a small group. It seems a bit disorganized at times and we have had to wait for our food so I don’t want to try it over a lunch hour. Love the decor.

”

Write your own restaurant reviews of more than 250 establishments at www.VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

34

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

35

More online at VolumeOne.org

burgers. Bring some friends and order the cheesy Spuds o’ Plenty. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly, open late. Free wireless internet.

Entrée: $7. A G Q

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560

Oakwood Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-0510 • www. northwoodsbrewpub.com • The hearty comfort food and breakfasts from the Norske Nook combined with the excellent pub grub and micro brews from Northwoods offers a culinary one-two punch capable of destroying your hunger. Check out the elk and buffalo dishes, fried cukes, and various lefse concoctions. Open for breakfast seven days a week.

Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, open late Fri. and

Silver Dollar Saloon & The Brick Company Restaurant 315 Main St., Menomonie • 235-9390

• A low-key, low-light, classic pub style restaurant with a long bar and a vintage atmosphere. Sit upstairs in the bar area, or escape the smoke in the cozy basement dining room. The menu features an array of appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and dinner entrées including steaks, ribs, spaghetti, and more. The cheese curds are a big draw, as well as the burgers. Carry out, private space available. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$12. A G S R

Smith’s Country Inn S5786 Hwy. 37, Eau Claire •

836-9003 • A favorite local spot for eaters of all ages, Smith’s is homey, friendly, and relaxed. Popular menu

The deep booths, warm colors, and dark woodwork give the Log Jam a cozy, classy atmosphere. But don’t think it’s all posh and snooty ...

Menomonie Log Jam, Menomonie Sat. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$17. A G R

Pioneer Grill & Saloon E5699 Co. Trk. D, Menomonie • 235-9927 • www.pioneergrill.com • There’s a distinct party atmosphere most nights at the Pioneer Grill & Saloon. Gourmet pizzas and burgers round out a sizable menu of sandwiches and familystyle favorites. Thursday through Saturday, try the tender age steak. Try out their famous all-beef burgers and don’t miss the live music on weekends. Breakfast served all week. New dining room. Outdoor seating, private banquet room with banquet menu, volleyball courts, open late. Entrée: $6-$11. A G S R Ray’s Place 838 Water St., Eau Claire • 832-3991 • People come from miles around just to grab a beer and an excellent hot beef sandwich served on a pile of napkins at Ray’s Place. The optional horseradish sauce (highly recommended) will clear your sinuses.

Cheese slices are available upon polite request. During the cooler months, try the signature Spanish stew. The homemade soups – pea or bean with ham – round out the menu. Outdoor seating, open late. Entrée: $5-$6.

A G Q Red Zone Sports Bar 2071 S. Prairie View Rd,

Chippewa Falls • 726-3030 • This down-to-earth and friendly sports bar offers food that goes beyond runof-the-mill bar food. While their burgers are worthy of many compliments, the bar favorite is the Philly Cheesesteak. Also serving appetizers such as cheese curds and wings, and homemade soups. Outdoor seating, smoking allowed, reservations for larger parties, open late. $5-$7.

Sammy’s Pizza Restaurant & Pub 2812 London

Rd., Eau Claire • 831-1300 • www.mysammys.com • With a family-style pizza place up front (complete with cool diner furniture) and a full-scale bar in the back, Sammy’s is great for lunch, dinner, or a night out. Bring your friends for the House Special – pepperoni, hamburger, kosher salami, sausage, mushrooms, onion, and green pepper – or check out the new broasted chicken. Live music on Fridays, weekday lunch buffet, private party room, meatless pizza and pasta sauces available, open late Fri. and Sat. Entrée: $7, lg. specialty pizza: $17.75. A D G R Q

Schreck’s Place 10764 Co. Hwy. Q, Chippewa Falls

• 288-6331 • www.schrecksplace.com • Burgers and broasted chicken are the big deals at Schreck’s. A nononsense bar and grill, Schreck’s is the ideal place to grab a brewski and some pub grub. Private party room, open late. Entrée: $5-$7. A G S R

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

36

items include classic comfort food, not to mention the famous fish fry and the juicy prime rib steaks (served on Thurs. and Sat.) Private party room, no reservations on Friday, outdoor pavilion available for parties. Entrée: $9-$13. A G R

Stones Throw 304 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • 552-

5882 • www.thestonesthrow.com • This long-time favorite live music venue has a brand new dinner menu which includes homemade appetizers, tasty sandwiches, juicy burgers, and tangy bbq’d ribs.

They also have a weekly Wisconsin favorite, a Friday Night Fish Fry. Check out the happy hour specials and Nintendo Wii on their giant movie screen. Vegetarian friendly, private space available. Entrée: $4-$6. A G S Q

Stout Ale House 1501 N. Broadway St., Menomonie •

233-3333 • www.stoutalehouse.com • Festooned with 37 TVs and packed with video games, dart machines, and pool tables, the Stout Ale House hopes you have a good time. Casual and fun, the eatery features a full menu of all-American food and a full bar with over 40 kinds of beer. A crowd favorite is the Combo Burger: two 1⁄4 lb. patties mixed with a grilled brat on a toasted hoagie roll. Rent out a special “skybox” to recreate an at-the-game afternoon with friends.

Outdoor seating, private party rooms/banquet hall, vegetarian friendly, open late. Free wireless internet.

Entrée: $5-$16. A G S R

Sweeney’s Bar & Grill 201 E. Canal St., Chippewa Falls • 723-9905 • A classic Wisconsin bar and grill where the locals go to get a burger or a homemade pizza.

Sweeney’s boasts 26 kinds of 1⁄2 lb. hamburgers, and its relaxed atmosphere puts customers at ease. Check out the karaoke action from September to May. Open late. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $6-$7. A G S Tailgates Sports Bar & Grill 1505 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 552-1733 • A classic Midwestern sports bar, televised games are always on the menu at Tailgates. The menu features seasoned 1⁄2 lb. burgers

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2008 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

37

More online at VolumeOne.org

ANDREA PAULSETH

specialty. Entrée: $6-$23. A G Q

Mike’s Smokehouse 2235 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau

Claire • 834-8153 • Many customers consider Mike’s to be the only place in town for BBQ. Their meaty menu has plenty to offer, from beef to pork to chicken to fish to baked potatoes as big as your head. The prime rib (served Thur. and Sat.) is a crowd pleaser, and the beer-battered, deep-fried fish is spoken of in hushed, reverent tones. Try the beans. Outdoor seating, catering services. Entrée: $3-$12. A G Q

Texas Roadhouse 5019 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 838-0035 • www.texasroadhouse.com • Upbeat and energetic, Texas Roadhouse is “that place they line dance every hour.” Their culinary claims to fame are hand-cut steaks and award-winning fall-offthe-bone ribs. Their bread is baked fresh all day long, and they make all dressings and side dishes from scratch. Open late on Fri. and Sat. Entrée: $8-$20.

A G

CAFÉ/COFFEE HOUSE 420 Internet Café 420 Washington St., Eau Claire •

Connected to Racy D’lene’s Coffee Lounge, The Nucleus Café features a breakfast and lunch menu with items like this Southwest Omelet with marbled rye bread and a fresh fruit cup. and homemade pizza. The Monday night special – $1 burger, $1 fries, $1.50 beer – is a local favorite.

Volleyball and bean bag courts, outdoor seating (summer beer garden), private party room, open late (for pizza). Entrée: $6-$8. A G

Waterfront Bar & Grill 512 Crescent St., Menomonie

• 235-6541 • A casual stop for a 20s and 30s type crowd serving high-end bar food including many different chicken sandwiches, burgers, fish, quesadillas, wings, wraps, and more. Known for a great Friday fish fry, they also feature live music every Thursday night at 10pm. The outdoor deck towers over Lake Menomon, providing a wide, sweeping vista with plenty of birds, boats, and breeze. Carry out service available.

Vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$14. A G S

West Hill Bar 250 W. Elm St., Chippewa Falls •

720-9281 • A neighborhood bar and grill serving up burgers and the hot beef sandwiches. Full bar, open late. Entrée: $3-$5. A G S

Whiskey Dicks 943 Harlem Ave., Altoona • 829-3425 • www.whiskeydicks.net • A warm and welcoming sports bar, Whiskey Dick’s specializes in burgers, homemade soups, and sandwiches. The centerpiece of the bar menu is the list of Torino-style pizzas – long, calzone-like creations of steamy, cheesy goodness.

They go great with the big game. Outdoor seating, private party room, daily specials, meatless pizza available, open late. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $9-$12. A G S R Q

BAVARIAN Das Bierhaus 120 6th Ave. W, Menomonie • 231-3230

• www.dasbierhaus-wi.com • Featuring a formidable range of domestic, imported, and brewed-on-site German beers, Das Bierhaus is the local destination for authentic Bavarian food and drink. The signature Schnitzel Strips are prepared fresh daily, and the Kaeseknacker (a cheesy sausage) is as enjoyable to eat as it is to say. $6.50-$17. A G S

BBQ Buffalo Wild Wings 4612 Keystone Crossing, Eau

Claire • 858-9453 • www.buffalowildwings.com • A family-oriented sports bar with seven giant TV screens and 26 other TVs. Known for their chicken wings with a wide range of sauces, plus burgers, sandwiches, ribs, and more. Outdoor seating, open until midnight, take out also available. Offers veggie burgers. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$15. A G Q

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que 2911 Mall Dr., Eau

Claire • 835-2227 • www.famousdavesec.com • A fun family destination with good music and an energetic staff. From Texas beef brisket to chopped pork to rib plates from four to twelve bones, there’s plenty of BBQ to go around. Private party room, catering a

833-9975 • www.café420.com • Eclectic décor, bamboo floors, and soothing colors are the backdrop for 420 Internet Café’s full service coffee bar and sandwich shop. Try the signature gyro sandwich or the popular chocolate truffle mocha drink. Internet stations, outdoor seating, private party services. Vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$5. G

Acoustic Café, Eau Claire 505 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 832-9090 • www.theacoustic.com/eauclaire • This downtown destination wants to make sure éno one hungers for lack of a better sandwich. Known for their hot hoagies, the spacious and creative café also has pitas, soups, salads, a number of bakedfrom-scratch cookies, muffins, and more. Try their gourmet coffees and espresso drinks to wash your meal down. Expect live music on the weekends and outdoor seating in season. Vegetarian friendly, open until 11pm Fri. and Sat. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$8. A G Q Acoustic Café, Menomonie 102 Main St., Menomonie • 235-1115 • A topnotch hoagie shop (everything from corned beef to hummus) that bakes its own bread from scratch, the Menomonie Acoustic Café features a cozy atmosphere and open mic every other Thursday. The trademark high-back booths make it a great place to do lunch, a casual meeting, or to just hang out. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, open late Fri. and Sat. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$6. A G Q Bake ‘n’ Brew Café 17255 Co. Hwy. X, Chippewa Falls • 720-2360 • Everything is homemade at this laid back bakery and café. Bake ‘n’ Brew Café is known

from the Dining Guide at:

Wigwam Tavern 314 E. Madison St., Eau Claire

• 834-9061 • www.wigwamtavern.com • A casual neighborhood bar and grill with a nice mix of regulars, the Wigwam serves up daily lunch specials like spaghetti with meatsauce and their famous creamed turkey over biscuits (get there early, because when it’s out, it’s out). The regular menu offers sandwiches and terrific cheeseburgers. Ask about their summer volleyball and dodgeball leagues. Breakfast on Sat. and Sun., volleyball court available for private parties, catering services, open late. Business delivery only.

Entrée: $5-$7. A G Q

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que

“

2911 Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 835-2227

review by jab5150

GOTTA LOVE Famous Dave’s. The ribs were very meaty and flavorful. I ordered them “neked” (without sauce) because you can hide a lot with sauce. The flavor was great! Then add a little sauce, there are several to choose from, and you will be hooked. The brisket had a great smoke flavor that wasn’t overpowering.

”

Write your own restaurant reviews of more than 250 establishments at www.VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

38

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

39

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

40

More online at VolumeOne.org

for their cinnamon rolls, salads, and sandwiches.

There is also a “lite” menu available. Entrée: $3-$6.

D G

LATE NIGHT EATS

Blind Munchies 621 Wilson Ave., Menomonie • 235-

9300•www.streetlevel.uwstout.edu/theblindmunchies. htm • Open to the public Tuesday through Friday, Blind Munchies features a full coffee bar, a fromscratch bakery, and fresh sandwiches made to order.

Try their homemade pizzas, and keep an eye out for their live music and B-movie nights. Vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $3-$5. G

Borders Books and Music 4030 Commonwealth

Ave., Eau Claire • 832-2852 • www.borders.com • Walk into Borders, hang a right, and you’ll find a full-service coffee bar (Seattle’s Best) offering baked goods and cold sandwiches. Carrot cake is an old standard and always available, along with mini apple pie. Entrée: $5.

Camille’s Sidewalk Café 1120 122nd St., Suite 3,

Chippewa Falls • 833-2233 • www.camillescafé. com/ • Camille’s fast, casual dining offers an allday breakfast from 7am to 9pm, wraps, grilled Panini, sandwiches, salads, pizza, soup, coffee, and smoothies. They feature their own brand of soup and salsa, and offer catering services. Free wireless internet. Outdoor seasonal seating, private area available. Entrée: $7. D G R

Caribou Coffee 2321 State Hwy 25 N #308,

Menomonie • 235-3627 • www.cariboucoffee.com • Whether you’re craving something hot or cold to wet your whistle, or a tasty baked treat to go along with it, Caribou has it all. Offers catering and select event delivery. Seasonal outdoor seating, free wireless internet. n/a.

The Coffee Grounds 3460 Mall Dr., Hwy. 93, Eau Claire • 834-1733 // 2116 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 797-2198 // 3042 Commercial Blvd., Chippewa Falls • 797-2370 • www.thecoffeegrounds.com • A casual, European-style café plopped into the middle of a gourmet food/coffee/beer/wine/cigar/gift shop, The Coffee Grounds offers a variety of baked goods, soups, and fresh, unique sandwiches. Their menu is always evolving, but if you see their terrific tomato bisque on the board, go for it. And don’t forget about the coffee (they roast their own beans). Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet.

Entrée: $5-$7. A G Q Cravings Coffee Shop 1320 N. Broadway St., Suite

1, Menomonie • 231-2222 • With Olson’s ice cream, a bakery with fresh bread baked daily, specialty cheeses and meats, and take-and-bake pizza, the name “cravings” suits this coffeehouse perfectly. In a relaxed atmosphere with a fireplace and waterfall, Cravings also has outdoor seating and wireless internet. n/a. G

Gloria Jean’s Coffees 4800 Golf Rd. (Oakwood

Mall), Eau Claire • 833-0040 • www.gloriajeans. com • A full-scale gourmet coffee shop known for its flavored brews, Gloria Jean’s uses beans selected from the top 2% of the world’s Arabica bean crop. In addition to brewed coffee, the shop offers a variety of robust espresso drinks and “Blended Chillers” such as the popular White Chocolate Caramel Cookie Chiller. n/a. Q

The Goat Coffee House 408 Water St., Eau Claire • 831-4491 • A relaxed, full-scale coffee house offering an eclectic selection of fresh sandwiches, The Goat sports an interesting mix of furniture and décor. All sandwiches are prepared with sauces from Silver Spring. A vegetarian delight is the Green Olive Twist (hummus, green olives, onion, and Swiss).

Some of the establishments (excluding fast food & big pizza chains) that serve from their menu after 10pm on weekends.

3rd Shift’s Pasty Pizza and More 1722 N.

Clairemont Ave., EC • 831-7171

Acoustic Café 505 S. Barstow St., EC • 832-9090 // 102 Main St., Men • 235-1115

Amber Inn Bar & Grill 840 E. Madison St., EC

• 832-0568

Applebee’s 4745 Golf Rd., EC • 831-1255 Boston’s 1920 S. Hastings Way, EC • 832-5100 Bridgewater Restaurant and Pub 1009 W. Park

Jeff and Jim’s Pizza 421 Water, EC • 838-8888 Jeff’s Pizza 145 Main St., Men • 231-3131 Kyote’s Den Bar & Grill E2339 Hwy 29, Men •

235-2777

The Livery aka Cowtown Saloon 316 Wisconsin St., EC • 855-7666

Maple Lounge & Café 2507 S. Hastings Way, EC

• 552-1998

Menomonie Log Jam 709 S. Broadway St., Men

Ave., CF • 723-6941

• 235-0703

Buffalo Wild Wings 4612 Keystone Crossing, EC

Milwaukee Burger Company 2620 E Clairemont

Burrachos Fresh Mexican Grill 5314 Prill Rd.,

Mogie’s Pub and Restaurant 436 Water St., EC

Buzzy’s 414 Water St., EC • 552-1600 Carl & Cindy’s Embers America 6220 Texaco

New York Pizza & Deli 320 Water, EC • 835-5000 Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560

City Limits Restaurant 2100 Co. Trk. B, Men •

Olive Garden 4920 Golf Rd, EC • 838-0707 Outback Steakhouse 5020 Keystone Crossing,

• 858-9453

EC • 834-1843 // 329 Water St., EC • 835-6195

Dr, EC • 874-6213 235-1166

Country Kitchen 2308 E. Clairemont Ave, EC • 832-3677 // 1705 Plaza Dr, Men • 235-9541

Dana’s Bar & Grill 465 Chippewa Mall Dr., CF • 726-1749 // 6505 Texaco Dr., EC • 874-5954 Dean & Sue’s Bar & Grill 2002 Midway Rd., Men • 235-9940

Dooley’s Pub 442 Water St., EC • 834-2388 Doubleday’s Sports Bar and Grill 3020 London Rd., EC • 833-2255

Eisold’s Irvine Bar 130 Fleet St., CF • 720-1280 El Patio 228 Water, EC • 855-8590 // 2823 London,

EC • 552-5973 // 1414 E. 9th St, Men • 233-1476

Erbert and Gerbert’s 409 Water St, EC • 8359995 // 3003 London Rd, EC • 552-1933 // 2402 Lorch Ave., Action City, EC • 838-9663 Famous Dave’s BBQ 2911 Mall, EC • 835-2227 Fox Run Tavern 1515 S. 65th, EC • 835-6489 Girolamo’s Court ‘n House Bar 113 W. Grand Ave., EC • 832-5478

Glen Loch Saloon 1300 Jeffrsn, CF • 723-1297 Golden Spike Bar & Grill 228 Division St.,

Altoona • 552-5526

Ave., EC • 834-6503 • 836-9666

Oakwood Mall Dr., EC • 552-0510

EC • 552-5293

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 2025 Highland Ave., EC • 834-9911

Perkins 1720 N. Broadway St., Men • 235-2234 Pioneer Grill & Saloon E5699 Co. Trk. D, Men

• 235-9927

Pizza Del Re 911 Hastings Way, EC • 834-0703 Pizza Plus Eatery 208 S. Barstow, EC • 832-8844 Porter’s 205 S. Barstow St, in the Ramada, EC • 855-0856

Ray’s Place 838 Water St., EC • 832-3991 Red Lobster 1019 W. Clairemont Ave., EC • 833-

0184 • www.redlobster.com

Red Robin 3005 Golf Rd., EC • 834-4438 Sammy’s Pizza 2812 London, EC • 831-1300 Schreck’s Place 10764 Co. Hwy. Q, CF • 2886331 • www.schrecksplace.com

Stout Ale House 1501 N. Brdwy, Men • 233-3333 Sweeney’s Bar & Grill 201 Canal, CF • 723-9905 T.G.I. FRiDAY’S 4800 Golf Rd, EC • 830-1424 Tacos Juanita Mexican Restaurant 2873 E.

Green Mill 2703 Craig Rd., EC • 839-8687 // 1815 N. Broadway St., Men • 235-3000

Hamilton Ave, EC • 835-3229

Grizzly’s Grill ‘n’ Saloon 4890 Golf Rd., EC •

Ave., EC • 552-1733

832-6481

Haymarket Grill 101 Graham, EC • 552-3400 Heckel’s Family Restaurant 2621 Hwy. 53, CF • 723-0844

Hilltop 924 E Madison St, EC • 835-9223 Hipps Pub-N-Grub S7650 State Rd. 37, EC • 834-7822

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

Tailgates Sports Bar & Grill 1505 N. Clairemont Ted’s Pizza Palace 306 E Main, Men • 235-0600 Texas Roadhouse 5019 Keystone Crossing, EC • 838-0035 • www.texasroadhouse.com

Whiskey Dicks 943 Harlem, Altoona • 829-3425 Wigwam Tavern 314 E. Madison, EC • 834-9061 Zanzibar Restaurant and Pub 228 E. Main St.,

Men • 231-9269

41

More online at VolumeOne.org

Check out the fruit smoothies and cold, blended coffee drinks. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$6. R

Golden Leaf Café 1706 Stout Rd, Menomonie • 2315323 • www.goldenleafcafé.com • Gourmet organic Panini sandwiches are the specialty at Golden Leaf Café, where you’ll also find homemade soups and salads. There’s no need to wait for dessert; they also sell Norske Nook pies (whole or by the slice). After eating, peruse the connected specialty shop for wine, food stuffs, and tea. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly (using some high quality, natural organic foods). Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6.50. G Grand Avenue Café 119 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire •

831-1100 • A quaint (and popular) little café known for their sandwiches, quiches, homemade soups, and bread pudding. Vegetarian friendly, outdoor seating available, open Sunday brunch-time. Entrée: $4-$7. Q

Harmony Corner Café 2855 Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-5530 • This relaxing coffeehouse and sandwich shop has a menu full of fair trade, organic and local eat- and drink-ables — everything from its famous homemade scones and 30-plus soups to its paninis and vegetarian options. Attached to the Old Elbow School Shop, its kitchen unveils loads of homemade concoctions that taste just like mom’s. Watch for live music on weekends and regional art shows. Seasonal outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$6. A G R InfiniTea Teahouse 112 Grand Ave., Eau Claire • 514-1975 • www.infiniteateahouse.com • As the only teahouse in the Chippewa Valley, InfiniTea has 155 flavors of tea, and a table with test tubes allowing customers to see and smell the leaves of the teas of their choice. It also has a constantly changing selection of tea infused baked goods (cookies, muffins, and scones)

by Dessert First. Check out the frequently scheduled musical guests. Free wireless internet. n/a. G Q The Living Room Coffee House & Drive-Thru 2006 Cameron St, Eau Claire • 831-0245 • The Living Room’s mission is to make you feel at home - as long as your home has a full service coffee bar, Panini sandwiches, baked goods, live music on the weekends, and blended fruit tea smoothies. The monthly drink specials are always popular, as is the breakfast Panini sandwich with sausage and maple syrup. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5.50. G R The Nucleus Café 405 Water St., Eau Claire • 8347777 • www.racysnucleus.com • Connected via a convenient hallway to Racy D’lene’s Coffee Lounge’s full-service coffee and espresso bar and sandwich shop, The Nucleus is a cozy café with a European vibe serving breakfast and lunch. Check out the desserts, homemade soups, quiches, omelets, and distinctive sandwiches.

The Nucleus is also a traditional crêperie, offering a variety of dessert and main meal crêpes. Stop by for Sunday brunch. Live music, outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet.

Entrée: $5-$7. A G R Q Panera Bread 4601 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire •

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2008 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

42

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

43

More online at VolumeOne.org

ANDREA PAULSETH

a bakery with fresh bread baked daily, specialty cheeses and meats, and take-and-bake pizza, the name “cravings” suits this coffeehouse perfectly. In a relaxed atmosphere with a fireplace and waterfall, Cravings also has outdoor seating and wireless internet. n/a. G

Dairy Queen 2801 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • 835-5329 // 1160 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • 834-9323 // 2451 Birch St., Eau Claire • 835-2181 // 3057 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 832-9787 // 124 E. Park, Chippewa Falls • 723-7911 // 12 Bridgewater, Chippewa Falls • 723-2811 // 1221 S. Broadway, Menomonie • 2352320 // 4800 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 835-5958 • Whether you’re craving some food or tasty treats, they’ve got both. $3-$8.

Dairy Queen/Orange Julius 4800 Golf Rd., Eau

Claire • 835-5958 • Tasty treats.

Dessert First Bakery Café 210 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 833-8440 • www.getdessertfirst.com • Famous for its multitude of many-flavored cupcakes, this California-inspired bakery and café offers cookies and scones as well as lunchtime sandwiches, savory breakfast muffins, and an array of beverage delights. n/a. D G Q

The baked goods, such as these scrumptious galettes, are all made by scratch at Marie’s Original Bakery in downtown Eau Claire. Try the chocolate-filled croissants and morning buns!

834-9752 • www.panerabread.com • A chain store featuring a full bakery and café where all breads are baked fresh. On the bakery side, they feature 20 different breads, 12 bagels, and 30 sweets and pastries – the Cinnamon Crunch bagel is among the favorites, selling between 400 and 500 a day. The café features 15 different sandwiches, 6 salads, and 6 (of 12) different soups on any given day with Chick and Wild Rice as a best seller. Outdoor patio seating, very vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Open for Sunday Brunch. Entrée: $5-$9. D

Racy D’lene’s Coffee Lounge 404 Riverside

Ave., Eau Claire • 834-0000 • www.racysnucleus. com • Connected via a convenient hallway to The Nucleus Café, Racy’s is a loungey coffee shop with an impressive range of brews. Check out the desserts, homemade soups, and astounding menu of distinctive sandwiches. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly.

Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$7. G Q

Starbucks 2016 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 834-

2513 // 953 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 8367320 // 3649 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 838-0196 // 2016 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 834-2513 • www.starbucks.com • Coffee, teas, desserts, and other treats to warm you up, cool you down, or satisfy a craving. Free wireless internet.

CAJUN Stella Blues 306 Madison St., Eau Claire • 855-7777

• www.stellablues.biz • Gallantly promoting and preserving Cajun flavor in the Chippewa Valley, Stella’s is located right across the street from downtown Eau Claire’s developing Phoenix Park area. The snazzy décor features antiques from the area’s past, and the bar offers a formidable line of taps, not to mention a constantly changing drink menu. Signature dishes include the (spectacularly-named) Better Than Ribs Volcanic Pork. The portabella sandwich with melted

bleu cheese and carmelized onions is a vegetarian favorite. Great outdoor seating, huge private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $6.50 - $26. A G R Q

DESSERTS & TREATS Blakelee’s Chocolates & Sweet Things 416 Water

St., Eau Claire • 514-0226 • Blakelee’s offers hardto-find, “old-fashioned” candies and chocolates in an old-timey atmosphere. Just walking by the front door will make your sweet tooth tingle. n/a.

Cold Stone Creamery 4613 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 831-8482 • www.coldstonecreamery.com • Personal customization is the name of the game at Cold Stone where you can mix and match an armada of toppings and ingredients into one (or more) of the shop’s many high-quality ice creams. The atmosphere is fun and often frantic as employees scoop the goods and sing songs. Kid’s sizes available. Seasonal outdoor seating. n/a. Q Cravings Coffee Shop 1320 N. Broadway St., Suite 1, Menomonie • 231-2222 • With Olson’s ice cream,

InfiniTea Teahouse 112 Grand Ave., Eau Claire • 514-1975 • www.infiniteateahouse.com • As the only teahouse in the Chippewa Valley, InfiniTea has 155 flavors of tea, and a table with test tubes allowing customers to see and smell the leaves of the teas of their choice. It also has a constantly changing selection of tea infused baked goods (cookies, muffins, and scones) by Dessert First. Check out the frequently scheduled musical guests. Free wireless internet. n/a.

G Q Inside Scoop 4800 Golf Rd #69, Eau Claire • 8380150 • This bulk candy store offers a variety of scoopable candies like gummies and jellybeans, as well as gourmet chocolates like truffles.

Legacy Chocolates 632 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 231-2580 • www.legacychocolates.com • Crafting truffles in no less than four levels of cocoa intensity (41%, 58.5%, 73.5%, and 85%) and eight flavors – that’s 32 possible varieties – Legacy Chocolates has your post-meal sweet tooth covered. Check out their Potion #9 chocolate sauce, roasted coffee beans, and coffee concentrates. Also serving coffee and espresso, brewed one cup at a time. n/a.

Marie’s Original Bakery 307 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • www.mariesoriginalbakery.com • This European-style bakery offers made-from-scratch and all-butter baked goods such as croissants (try the chocolate-filled), scones, ciabatta bread, and authentic European baguettes. Q Obsession Chocolates 310 Water St., Eau Claire

• 514-1720 • www.obsessionchocolates.com •

from the Dining Guide at: Obsession Chocolates

“

review by zee97

310 Water Street, Eau Claire • 514-1720

OMG, some of the best truffles and cupcakes I’ve eaten (though, I haven’t tried Dessert First yet ...). The truffles are truly artwork and that can somewhat justify the high prices. Oh, the hot cocoa is excellent, too.

”

Write your own restaurant reviews of more than 250 establishments at www.VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

44

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s

online dining guide presents ...

I’m hungry.

Where should we eat?

Wh at are you hungry for ?

I don’t know. You pick.

No, you pick.

Gu ys, sh ut up an d go to Vo lumeO ne .org.

Oh ma n, I’m rea lly hungry.

It ’s tr ue .

/browse every restaurant in the At www.VolumeOne.org you can click on “Dining Guide” and search and reviews from people like you.

Chippewa Valley, complete with pictures, descriptions, maps, menus, You owe it to yourself and anyone you have annoying circular conversations with.

VERY VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY Some places inherently have easy options for vegetarians: Chinese buffets, Mexican restaurants, sandwich shops, and pizza places. Here are a few more full restaurants that consider themselves vegegarian friendly...

Acoustic Café 505 S. Barstow St., EC • 832-9090

Loopy’s Saloon & Grill 10691 Business. Hwy. 29,

// 102 Main St., Men • 235-1115

CF • 723-5667

5150 Fairview Dr., EC • 852-6000

Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N. Bridge,CF • 720-9800 Mancino’s Grinders and Pizza 4056

The Aqua Lounge and Grille in Metropolis Hotel, Asian Cafe 2121 Eddy Lane, EC • 852-0552 Bresina’s Old Home Restaurant 704 E. Grand

Ave., CF • 723-7973

Commonwealth Ave, EC • 835-4000 // 809 W. Clairemont Ave, EC • 835-4100

Menomonie Log Jam 709 S. Broadway St., Men

Bridge Street Station 212 N Bridge, CF • 738-1111 Burgandy’s Restaurant 1202 W. Clairemont Ave.,

• 235-0703

The Cabin on Grand 24 W. Grand, CF • 723-4025 Camille’s Sidewalk Café 1120 122nd St., Suite 3,

Mogie’s 436 Water St., EC • 836-9666 Mona Lisa’s 428 Water St., EC • 839-8969 Nelson Cheese Factory 1636 Harding Ave, EC

EC • 834-3181

CF • 833-2233

The Coffee Grounds 3460 Mall Dr., Hwy. 93, EC •

834-1733 // 2116 Craig Rd., EC • 797-2198 // 3042 Commercial Blvd., CF • 797-2370

Cravings Coffee Shop 1320 N. Broadway St., Suite 1, Men • 231-2222

Milwaukee Burger Company 2620 E Clairemont Ave., EC • 834-6503

• 834-2000

Noodle Wrap 3021 Mall Dr., EC • 552-0525 Noodles & Company 4653 Keystone Crossing, EC • 858-9000

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560

The Creamery Restaurant & Inn E4620 Co. Rd.

Oakwood Mall Dr., EC • 552-0510

Dona Rita Mexican Restaurant 1415 N. Broadway

The Nucleus Café 405 Water St., EC • 834-7777 Old Country Buffet 2613 E. Clairemont Ave, EC

C, Downsville • 664-8354 St, Men • 235-3867

Doubleday’s Sports Bar and Grill 3020 London

Rd., EC • 833-2255

Draganetti’s Ristorante 3120 Hillcrest Pkwy.,

Altoona • 834-9234

• 834-7747

Olive Garden 4920 Golf Rd, EC • 838-0707 The Olympic Flame 2920 London., EC • 835-7771 Outback Steakhouse 5020 Keystone Crossing,

The Dulany 105 Garfield. Ave, EC • 836-5261 Duncan Creek Wine Bar and Grille 213 N.

EC • 552-5293

Egg Roll-Plus 1611 Bellinger St., EC • 832-6125 Fischer’s On The Green 2333 Hillcrest Pkwy.,

834-9752

Fortune Cookie Chinese Rest. 1702 Harding, EC

Ave., EC • 834-9911

Bridge St., CF • 723-7000

Altoona • 832-9711

• 833-0088 // 319 S. Broadway, Men • 235-3532

Franzwa’s Cafe and Custom Catering 800 Wisconsin St., Banbury Place, EC • 830-0075

The Goat Coffee House 408 Water, EC • 831-4491 Golden Leaf Café 1706 Stout, Men • 231-5323 Grand Avenue Café 119 W. Grand Ave., EC •

831-1100

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar 2703 Craig Rd.,

EC • 839-8687 // 1815 N. Broadway St., Men • 235-3000

Harmony Corner Café 2855 Mall, EC • 552-5530 Haymarket Grill 101 Graham, EC • 552-3400 Heckel’s Family Restaurant 2621 Hwy. 53, CF

• 723-0844

High Shores Supper Club 17985 Co. Trk. X, CF

Pad Thai 203 N. Barstow St., EC • 552-1715 Panera Bread 4601 Keystone Crossing, EC • Parker’s Tuscan Grill 1919 Stout, Men • 231-4999 Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 2025 Highland Quick Wok 501 Water St., EC • 832-4545 Raw Deal 603 S. Broadway, Men • 231-3255 Red Robin 3005 Golf Rd., EC • 834-4438 Shanghai Bistro 2930 Craig Rd., EC • 835-3348 Skoog’s Parkside 932 N. Brdwy, Men • 235-6124 Stella Blues 306 Madison St., EC • 855-7777 Stout Ale House 1501 N. Brdwy, Men • 233-3333 Sweeney’s Bar & Grill 201 E. Canal St., CF • 723-9905

Sweetwaters Restaurant & Bar 1104 W. Clairemont Ave., EC • 834-5777

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant 2426 London Rd.,

EC • 834-0313

Waterfront Bar & Grill 512 Crescent St., Men •

• 723-9854

235-6541

James Sheeley House 236 River, CF • 726-0561 Jumbo House 2633 Birch St., EC • 835-9188

Men • 231-9269

Zanzibar Restaurant and Pub 228 E. Main St.,

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

46

Obsession Chocolates offers a variety of hand-made gourmet truffles in a revolving flourish of flavors like pear, honey-lemon, mint, root beer, passion fruit, and of course, dark and white chocolate.

Check out their super deluxe cupcakes and other baked delicacies. n/a. Q

Olsen’s Ice Cream Parlor & Deli 611 N. Bridge

St, Chippewa Falls • 723-4331 • Heading down to Olsen’s for some homemade ice cream is a favorite local pastime. Their fresh ingredients and tempting sundaes have kept people coming back for decades.

Now you can grab some soup and a deli sandwich prior to dessert. The Turkey BLT is an employee favorite. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$6. D Q

Simply Cakes 2425 Seymour Rd., Suite 3, Eau Claire

• 514-4549 • This small bakery, owned and operated by one person, whips up custom cut-out cookies, whimsical cupcake “bouquets,” (made to look like a bouquet of roses or sunflowers), and custom wedding cakes, to name a few. All cakes are buttercream and made from scratch. No seating. Delivery for larger orders. n/a. D

Sonic Drive-In 2831 Hendrickson Dr., Eau Claire • 552-3229 • www.sonicdrivein.com • Sonic serves a full menu of burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken wraps, hot dogs, a breakfast menu (with breakfast burritos, sandwiches, french toast sticks and more) plus coffee, smoothie, limeade, and frozen treat selections. Order from the drive-thru or their parking stalls, with food delivered from roller skating attendees. Combo meals: $5-$6.

Starbucks 2016 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 834-

2513 // 953 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 8367320 // 3649 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 838-0196 // 2016 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 834-2513 • www.starbucks.com • Coffee, teas, desserts, and other treats to warm you up, cool you down, or satisfy a craving. Free wireless internet.

Sue’s Deluxe Bake Shop 1319 Birch St, Eau Claire

• 552-3931 • A neighborhood favorite, Sue’s mostly homemade items include bars, cakes, sweet rolls, cookies, and cakes. Take home a pack of their savory onion rolls. No seating.

FAMILY-STYLE Albertville Tavern 8114 35th St., Colfax • 874-6217

• A casual, family place where the generous Friday fish fry and BBQ ribs are legendary, but the prime rib (served Wed. and Sat.) draws people from halfway across the state. Word has it the bar will serve you the best Old Fashioned in all of Albertville. Outdoor seating, open late (for pizza). Lunch Entrée: $8, dinner: $10-$12. A G S R Q

Altoona Family Restaurant 2000 N. Hillcrest Pkwy., Altoona • 830-5000 • American food in a simple family atmosphere where breakfast is served all day and homemade specials are the norm. AFR is popular for fish frys on Friday nights. Sunday brunch, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$9. G Q Blue Moon Family Restaurant 805 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 833-8036 • With a menu that’s seven pages long, finding something you like at the Blue Moon shouldn’t be a challenge. They’ve got everything from Greek (spinach pies) to Asian (great stir-fries) to Mexican, and of course, family-style American classics. Breakfast time is popular, but don’t miss the dinner specials, such as a fish fry which offers smelt, cod, trout, or walleye. And check out the homemade cinnamon rolls, said to be “bigger than a plate.” Breakfast available all day long, reservations

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

47

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

48

More online at VolumeOne.org

available for larger parties, very vegetarian friendly.

Entrée: $5-$10. G R Q

Bresina’s Old Home Restaurant 704 E. Grand

Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-7973 • A quality, plain Jane, working class joint where everyone is welcome.

Known for good home cooking, homemade hash browns, and their potato dumplings. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $3-$12. G R

The Cabin on Grand 24 W. Grand Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-4025 • Nothing comes out of a can at The Cabin on Grand in Chippewa Falls. These freshobsessed cooks pack their ingredients into dozens of specialty omelets, which are served all day. Slather some apple butter or syrup on their popular potato pancakes, or delve into an Eggs Benedict. The comfortable, homey downtown diner welcomes vegetarians as well, offering a number of veggie omelets and quesadillas. Wireless internet available.

Entrée $4-$8. A G R Carl & Cindy’s Embers America 6220 Texaco Dr, Eau Claire • 874-6213 • A family diner atmosphere featuring breakfast skillets, pancakes, burgers and more. Private party room, open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. Entrée: $6-$13. G S R Chick-A-Dee’s Family Restaurant 1928 3rd St,

Eau Claire • 832-7724 • A traditional family-style restaurant that has been around for ages, Chick-ADee’s is known for its all-day breakfast and daily specials. Entrée: $5-$9. G Q

Chicken Unlimited 1410 Hastings Way, Eau Claire

• 834-6688 • A classic local destination, Chicken Unlimited has been in town for over 40 years. Order at the counter and grab a seat in their vintage chicken joint atmosphere where the most popular dish is ... fried chicken. Entrée: $5-$10. G Q

Chippewa Family Restaurant 1701 Kennedy Rd,

Chippewa Falls • 723-4751 • One of the area’s big breakfast spots, the Chippewa Family Restaurant cracks open more eggs than a clumsy farmer. However, regulars of all ages show up for lunch and dinner, as well (not to mention the homey atmosphere). Check out the daily specials. The plentiful comfort food is available for carry out. Open Sunday morning.

Entrée: $4-$9. G R

Ciao Line Family Buffet 2225 Fairfax St., Eau Claire • 552-0370 • If settling down in your mom’s kitchen just isn’t possible, the comfort food at Ciao Line Family Buffet is the next best thing. It features a veritable smorgasbord, all homemade. The merlotcolored dining room is open seven days a week, offering a Sunday brunch, lunch, and dinner. Dine on the ultimate build-your-own sandwich and homemade chicken soup at midday. Satisfy your cravings with

pizza, calzones, hot beef, or lasagna. Specials like shrimp, ribs, and pork loin change nightly, and the expansive 36-item salad bar is always open. Check out the outdoor seating. Entreé $8-$11. A G

City Limits Restaurant 2100 Co. Trk. B, Menomonie • 235-1166 • Located right on exit 45, City Limits serves up classic diner food in a fun atmosphere where the waitresses treat you right. Where almost everything is homemade. The desserts are homemade, and the carrot cake is a local favorite. Open Sunday morning, private party room, banquet services, open late until 10pm, special delivery available upon request. Entrée: $7-$10. A D G Country Kitchen Restaurant 2308 E. Clairemont

Ave, Eau Claire • 832-3677 // 1705 Plaza Dr, Menomonie • 235-9541 • www.countrykitchenrestau rants.com • Casual family atmosphere fills Country Kitchen where you’re invited to “Come home to the good stuff.” Popular menu items include the Big Country Boy Burger – two beef patties topped with pepper bacon, onion fingers, a blend of cheeses, and thousand island dressing. Breakfast served daily.

Breakfast/brunch buffet on Sat. and Sun. (Menomonie Sun. only), private party area at Eau Claire location, open late. Alcohol served in Menomonie. Lunch Entrée: $7, dinner: $8.50. G R

The Flame Three 1632 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-5154 • A newly remodeled family-style place with an extensive menu, The Flame Three offers everything from omelets to seafood. Partake in their Prime Rib, offered every Saturday, or try their Fish Fry, available every Friday. Carry-out available, private party room, reservations. Breakfast or Lunch Entree: $5-$7, Dinner Entree: $7-$12. G R Golden Eagle Restaurant 16760 Co. Trk. X,

Chippewa Falls • 723-2948 • A family-style restaurant cooking up food the whole family can enjoy. Their breakfast (Tues.-Sun.) keeps the locals happy, especially the pancakes. Check out the Friday fish fry. Entrée: $6. R

Heckel’s Family Restaurant 2621 Hwy. 53,

Chippewa Falls • 723-0844 • Heckel’s has a comfortable hometown atmosphere with friendly service. Family style classics like broasted chicken, creamed corn, and big, hearty muffins fill the menu.

Breakfast is served all day. Open 24 hours. Entrée: $6-$13. D G S

Maple Lounge & Café 2507 S. Hastings Way, Eau

Claire • 552-1998 • A cozy family place that’s open for breakfast and lunch. The homemade chicken dumpling soup is a must, as is the classic roast beef sandwich. Happy hour runs from 11am to 7pm, and appetizers are available. Breakfast served on Sunday.

Private party room. Some food available after 10 pm.

from the Dining Guide at: Randy’s Family Restaurant

“

review by micah68

1132 MacArthur Ave., Eau Claire • 839-8449

I’ve never had a bad experience ... the staff is very friendly and the food is always well prepared and arrives in a timely fashion. I tried the “nuts and bolts” recently (kinda like granola on steroids ... wait, it was healthy so I guess that’s a bad analogy) and it was delicious, as are the 7 grain pancakes, omelets, fish fry, pudding, pies, etc.

”

Write your own restaurant reviews of more than 250 establishments at www.VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

49

Entrée: $3-$4, lunch: $4-$6. A G R

Menomonie Family Restaurant 2616 Hils Ct,

Menomonie • 235-9000 • www.menomoniefamilyres taurant.com • This is one of those great places where breakfast is served all day long and the staff keeps things homey and relaxed. With a menu offering hearty favorites like ribs, meatloaf, Swedish meatballs, and roast pork/chicken/turkey sandwiches, you’ll have no excuse if you go home hungry. Outdoor seating, private party room. Entrée: $7-$10. G R

Mike’s Smokehouse 2235 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-8153 • Many customers consider Mike’s to be the only place in town for BBQ. Their meaty menu has plenty to offer, from beef to pork to chicken to fish to baked potatoes as big as your head. The prime rib (served Thur. and Sat.) is a crowd pleaser, and the beer-battered, deep-fried fish is spoken of in hushed, reverent tones. Try the beans. Outdoor seating, catering services. Entrée: $3-$12. A G Q Moe’s Diner 12701 10th St, Osseo • 597-3912 • As the name implies, the “almost world famous” Moe’s dishes up classic diner food. Excellent breakfast plates, burgers, steaks, and salads fill out the menu.

The hand-dipped malts and broasted chicken will put a smile on your face. Check out the 50’s décor and try the car hop service. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $7. G Mom’s Kitchen 3035 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire •

838-8994 • Offering home-style cooking at its finest, the waitresses at Mom’s will treat you right. The hot beef and mashed potato sandwich (on homemade bread) is worth the trip all by itself, but also check out the meatloaf and pork-n-kraut dinners. Entrée: $6.50.

G R

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560

Oakwood Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-0510 • www. northwoodsbrewpub.com • The hearty comfort food and breakfasts from the Norske Nook combined with the excellent pub grub and micro brews from Northwoods offers a culinary one-two punch capable of destroying your hunger. Check out the elk and buffalo dishes, fried cukes, and various lefse concoctions. Open for breakfast seven days a week.

Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, open late Fri. and Sat. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$17. A G R

Old Country Buffet 2613 E. Clairemont Ave, Eau

Claire • 834-7747 • www.buffetsinc.com • A casual (and giant) buffet where easy listening music wafts about the dining area, the plates at Old Country Buffet get piled high with numerous home-style favorites.

OCB breads its own chicken, and three carved meats are always on hand for your main course enjoyment.

Open for breakfast Saturday and Sunday. Large group discounts, vegetarian friendly. Lunch buffet: $8, dinner: $11. G

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 2025 Highland Ave., Eau Claire • 834-9911 • www.perkinsrestaurants.com • Big, comfy booths and a homey feel make Perkins a great place for family dining. From breakfast to dinner, they’ve got you covered. The pancakes are a local favorite and the bakery offers pies, cookies, muffins and more. Breakfast served all day. Vegetarian friendly, open 24 hrs. Entrée: $5-$10. G Q Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 1720 N. Broadway

St., Menomonie • 235-2234 • www.perkinsrestaurants. com • With classic favorites like the Tremendous Twelve breakfast and the Chicken Tender Melt, not to mention seasonal specialty items, Perkin’s has something for the whole family any time day or night.

Breakfast served all day. Curbside to-go service, vegetarian friendly, open 24 hrs. Free wireless

More online at VolumeOne.org

ANDREA PAULSETH

McDonald’s 2702 Craig Rd, Eau Claire • 835-7951

// 3708 Gateway Dr, Eau Claire • 830-1135 // 1513 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 835-9919 // 6251 Truax Ln, Eau Claire • 874-6771 // 100 Prairie View Rd, Chippewa Falls • 723-7187 // 1515 N. Broadway, Menomonie • 235-4339 • Home of the Big Mac. $3$10.

Sonic Drive-In 2831 Hendrickson Dr., Eau Claire •

552-3229 • www.sonicdrivein.com • Sonic serves a full menu of burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken wraps, hot dogs, a breakfast menu (with breakfast burritos, sandwiches, french toast sticks and more) plus coffee, smoothie, limeade, and frozen treat selections. Order from the drive-thru or their parking stalls, with food delivered from roller skating attendees. Combo meals: $5-$6.

Taco Bell 2056 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 8369588 // 2512 Craig Rd, Eau Claire • 835-1887 // 1401 N. Broadway, Menomonie • 232-9210 • Run for the border.

Taco John’s 4800 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • 834-1991 //

2001 Brackett Ave, Eau Claire • 834-0031 // 242 Water St, Eau Claire • 832-1149 // 257 W. Prairie View Rd, Chippewa Falls • 723-5011 // 1526 Broadway Street N, Menomonie • 235-4477 • Whole lotta Mexican going on.

The rustic decor and atmosphere at Cicione’s virtually takes you to old world Italy, as does the wide array of Italian dishes available.

Culver’s 2021 Brackett Ave, Eau Claire • 831-1060

internet. Entrée: $5-$10. G R Q

Randy’s Family Restaurant 1132 MacArthur Ave, Eau Claire • 839-8449 • A classic family eatery where Norman Rockwell would probably love to have breakfast, families and local regulars stop in for the friendly service and homey atmosphere. The menu bursts with all-American dinner favorites, but the locals rave about the homemade chicken dumpling soup and fantastic hash browns. Breakfast Entrée: $5, dinner: $8. A G R Q Ted’s Pizza Palace 306 E. Main St, Menomonie •

235-0600 • www.tedspizzapie.com • An authentic pizza parlor that crafts its own sausage, sauces, and crust, Ted’s is a family favorite. There’s something for everyone, as the menu also features broasted chicken, hot beefs, and gyros (complete with a creamy family recipe sauce). Games and TVs keep things fun and casual. Meatless pizza and pasta sauces available.

Open late. Entrée: $8-$9, lg. specialty pizza: $18. A D G

// 2520 Folsom St., Eau Claire • 831-0741 // 2573 Commercial Blvd, Chippewa Falls • 726-9343 // 1330 Stout Rd, Menomonie • 233-0330 • www. culvers.com • With a wide range of hearty home-style eats, Culver’s invites you to “Taste How Much We Care.” The trademark ButterBurgers are never made with frozen meat and the North Atlantic Cod is handdipped and fried to a golden crisp. The super-thick, creamy custard is made fresh throughout the day.

Outdoor seating, open late, free wireless internet.

Entrée: $4-$8. G Q

Dairy Queen 2801 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • 835-5329 // 1160 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • 834-9323 // 2451 Birch St., Eau Claire • 835-2181 // 3057 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 832-9787 // 124 E. Park, Chippewa Falls • 723-7911 // 12 Bridgewater, Chippewa Falls • 723-2811 // 1221 S. Broadway, Menomonie • 2352320 // 4800 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 835-5958 • Whether you’re craving some food or tasty treats, they’ve got both. $3-$8.

Dairy Queen/Orange Julius 4800 Golf Rd., Eau

FAST FOOD A & W 4732 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 833-8887 • www. awrestaurants.com • Fast food with a classic drive-in vibe. And root beer floats, of course. Entree: $5. G Arby’s 2821 Hendrickson Dr., Eau Claire • 838-7001 // 1019 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 838-7004 // 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire • 838-7002 // 307 Prairie View Rd., Chippewa Falls • 726-8888 // 1456 Kennedy Rd., Chippewa Falls • 720-8888 // 1717 Broadway St. N, Menomonie • 233-0747 • www. arbys.com • Roast beef sandwiches and more. prices unavailable.

Burger King 544 Main St, Menomonie • 235-6017 // 2833 North Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • 836-6788 // 926 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 836-6781 // 2626 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • 836-6787 // 2752 120th St, Chippewa Falls • 723-8780 • Burgers.

Claire • 835-5958 • Tasty treats.

Hardee’s 1000 West Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire •

836-6805 // 2109 Highland Ave, Eau Claire • 8366803 // 2933 Western Ave, Eau Claire • 836-6814 • Thick. Burgers.

KFC 2003 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 834-7181 //

1017 Woodward Ave, Chippewa Falls • 723-4771 • Home of finger-lickin’ good chicken. $3-$10.

LaGrander’s Drive-In 18143 Co. Trk. X, Chippewa

Falls • 723-0672 • Nothing says summer like a trip to the drive-in. A local landmark located right across from Ray’s beach, LaGrander’s makes their own root beer and scoops up country-style ice cream in addition to their classic drive-in fare. Eat in your car or one of the gazebos. Open May 1-Sept. 1, seven days a week, and weekends in April and September, weather permitting. Entrée: $2-$8.

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

50

Wendy’s 1605 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 839-

8141 // 959 W. Clairmont Ave, Eau Claire • 839-9208 // 360 Chippewa Mall Dr, Chippewa Falls • 7239507 // 1627 N. Broadway, Menomonie • 233-1080 • Burger meals, and cold frosty choices to satisfy the hunger pains. Open late. $3-$10.

FINE DINING Bridgewater Restaurant and Pub 1009 W. Park

Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-6941 • www.avalonhotelchippewafalls.com • This relaxed and casual but upscale restaurant is known for their cut-to-order steaks and Bloody Marys. With an attached bar, there is live music Thursday through Saturday. Open late on weekends, vegetarian friendly, private room. Free wireless internet. Sunday brunch buffet $10. Dinner entré: $12$20, sandwiches, etc: $6-$20.. A G S R

Burgandy’s Restaurant 1202 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-3181 • www.plazaeauclaire.com • Quiet fine dining attached to the Plaza Hotel and Brewski’s bar and grill. Known for their popovers and Friday night fish and shrimp buffet. Lunch buffet from 11am-2pm weekdays, breakfast buffet for Sunday Brunch. Vegetarian friendly, free wireless internet. Entrée: $10-$22. A G R The Creamery Restaurant & Inn E4620 Co. Rd. C, Downsville • 664-8354 • www.thenewcreamery.com • A strong commitment to seasonal, local, organic ingredients makes for memorable noshing at The Creamery. They serve dinner and weekend brunch on the screened in terrace, or in the dining room and tasting bar. The newly added Brick House Bakery and Café offers espresso, organic teas, and baked goods made with whole grains and organic flour. They’ve got casual fare for breakfast or lunch in a cool setting with Wi-fi access. Plenty of meeting space available.

They also feature twelve inn rooms with king sized beds, double whirl pool tubs and natural views to landscaped gardens or woods. Entrée: $18-$30. A G R Q High Shores Supper Club 17985 Co. Trk. X, Chippewa Falls • 723-9854 • www.highshores.com • Home of “fine dining in a casual atmosphere,” High Shores is nestled on the edge of Lake Wissota.

More online at VolumeOne.org

The kitchen cuts their trademark steaks by hand and menu favorites like the blackened ribeye and stuffed fillet mignon just might turn you into a regular. If the weather’s nice, motor up to one of the restaurant’s lake docks. Ask about the dinner cruise, and don’t miss the Sunday breakfast buffet. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, private party pavilion. Entrée: $10-$20. A G S R

Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub 415 S. Barstow

St., Eau Claire • 835-6621 • www.houligans.net • Rich, worn-in woodwork threads across the walls of Houligans - take a seat at the bar, or in the cozy dining area. It’s a great place to grab a beer and a hearty meal. The menu offers a top-notch selection of steaks and seafood dishes, but the Candied Garlic New York Strip is the big crowd-pleaser. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $12$32. A G R Q

Sweetwaters Restaurant & Bar 1104 W. Clairemont

Ave., Eau Claire • 834-5777 • www.sweetwatersec. com • Upscale yet casual with a contemporary vibe, Sweetwaters is great for a night out on the town or a cozy dinner with drinks and conversation. Signature dishes include the Chipotle Ribeye and the chicken tchoupitoulas (served on a bed of ham and potato hash). Check out the lunch buffet and the Friday night fish fry. Outdoor seating, private party/banquet room, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Lunch Entrée: $8-$10, dinner: $8-$25. A G R

GREEK New York Pizza & Deli 320 Water St., Eau Claire • 835-5000 • A popular after-bar destination, the unassuming and super-casual New York Pizza and Deli offers a quick stop for Greek favorites like hummus, falafel, and (of course) gyros. They also offer pastas and pizza. Vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $5.

D G

The Olympic Flame 2920 London Rd., Eau Claire •

835-7771 • Eau Claire’s longest-standing gyro joint, The Olympic Flame offers a number of traditional Greek dishes alongside the trademark, savory, pitabased sandwich. The bar is a bit of a local hang-out and a great place to relax. Entrée: $4-$9. A

ITALIAN 3rd Shift’s Pasty Pizza and More 1722 N. Claire-

mont Ave., Eau Claire • 831-7171 • Third shifters have hit the jackpot at this late-night eatery. Choose from a variety of pasties, like the hearty signature Cornish pasty, a crusty, warm pocket filled with ground sirloin and pork tip, carrots, and potatoes. Purchase one fresh, or take home a dozen frozen pasties to fill your belly all winter long. Pizzas are take-and-bake, or heated in the store. Pizza dough and pasty crust are prepared from scratch. 3rd Shift uses all fresh ingredients, including baby portabella mushrooms and tricolor peppers. Give 48 hours notice for orders of six or more

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2008 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

Offer Expires 12/31/09

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

51

More online at VolumeOne.org

ANDREA PAULSETH

open late on Fri and Sat. Free wireless internet. Lunch entrée: $8, dinner: $13. A D G R

Mancino’s Grinders and Pizza 4056 Commonwealth

Ave, Eau Claire • 835-4000 // 809 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • 835-4100 • www.mancinoseauclaire. com • Mancino’s is fast, relaxed, and family-friendly.

Their trademark “grinder” sandwiches are toasted open-face on bread baked fresh everyday. The popular Chicken Ranch grinder combines marinated chicken, bacon, cheese, ranch sauce, and mayo for a simple yet effective taste explosion. Every sandwich comes with a crunchy pickle. Catering services, party platters, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $4-$6. A D G Q

Mona Lisa’s 428 Water St., Eau Claire • 839-8969 • www.monalisas.biz • The deep, rich colors, original artwork, and Mediterranean vibe is reason enough to check out Mona’s. But the menu - which changes weekly depending on what’s fresh - offers plenty of other reasons. The original seafood dishes are a must, and the thin-crust pizzas are worth your time. Don’t forget to check out the extensive wine list and popular Mona Margarita. If the weather’s nice, get yourself seated in Mona’s charming back patio. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly.

Closed Sunday and Monday. Entrée: $12-$24. A G R Q Noodles & Company 4653 Keystone Crossing, Cancun Mexican Grill in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire is a local favorite for south-of-the-border atmosphere and dishes, including fajitas, chimichangas, and more. pasties. Items can be altered to be vegetarian friendly.

Pasties $5, Pizza $6-$20.

Cicione’s 120 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire •

833-8939 • A casual and homey place that virtually takes you to old world Italy with its rustic decor and atmosphere. A wide array of Italian (and American) dishes are available, with their Cajun pasta and Philly cheese steak sandwich among the most popular. Don’t forget the warm bread and special butter spread.

Takeout and catering available. Vegetarian friendly.

Entrée: $8-$15. A G R

Draganetti’s Ristorante 3120 Hillcrest Pkwy., Altoona • 834-9234 • www.draganettis.com • A family tradition of Italian excellence with a reputable local history dating back to 1982. Enjoy their casual/ upscale atmosphere by starting with appetizers and salads, then choosing from chicken, fish, veal, beef and a vast array of pastas and sauces - plus seasonal specials. Don’t forget about their famous pizzas including the Pesto, the Commissioner, or a build your own masterpiece. Private party room, catering available, seating on an outdoor deck, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $10-$20. A G R Q

don’t forget about the unlimited breadsticks offering buttery goodness by the basketful. Vegetarian friendly, delivery to businesses available ($50+), open until 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Entrée: $3-$7. G R

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar, Eau Claire

2703 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 839-8687 • www. greenmilleauclaire.com • With its full menu available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, the Green Mill wants you to get full. Among other items, the menu features specialty pizzas, chicken wings, large salads, and a number of unique pastas such as the Butternut Squash Ravioli. The bar can mix up an impressive 82 different kinds of martinis and cosmopolitans. Check out the Sunday breakfast/brunch buffet. Private party room, vegetarian friendly, open late. Lunch Entrée: $8, dinner: $12. A D G R

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar, Menomonie 1815

N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3000 • www. greenmill.com • Whether it’s a lunch date, a gettogether, or a night out, there’s something for everyone on Green Mill’s robust, green menu. Local favorites include the mouth-watering pizzas, the burgers, and the steaks. Check out the Sunday breakfast/brunch buffet. Outdoor seating, catering, vegetarian friendly,

Duncan Creek Wine Bar and Grille 213 N. Bridge

St., Chippewa Falls • 723-7000 • Customers have compared their dining experience at Duncan Creek to that of a casual, metropolitan bistro. This eatery features a nightly special along with signature dishes such as the pan-seared halibut, the chicken messina stuffed with mozzarella and goat cheese and topped with a tomato vodka sauce all over ricotta ravioli, or the caramel fried banana dessert. More than 70 varieties of wine to choose from. Vegetarian options available. Entrée: $10--$19. A G R

Fazoli’s Restaurant 3730 Gateway Dr, Eau Claire •

830-1039 • www.fazolis.com • A fast food style Italian restaurant featuring all the classic favorites including lasagna, spaghetti, fettuccine, baked pastas and more.

Try the famous sampler platter to get a bit of it all, and

Eau Claire • 858-9000 • www.noodles.com • Quick and casual, Noodles offers a variety of dishes based on different kinds of, well, noodles. Crowd pleasers include the Japanese Pan Noodles, the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, and the Penna Rosa pasta. Fun facts: Noodles serves beer and wine, and all menu items can be prepared vegetarian. Delivery for groups of 12 or larger. Entrée: $5-$8. A G

Olive Garden 4920 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • 838-0707

• www.olivegarden.com • The alluring ambience at Olive Garden has played host to many amorous rendezvous, but the restaurant’s Italian fare makes for a good lunch or dinner any day of the week. As zesty Italian music floats in the background, try the Tour of Italy, which combines three of the Garden’s most popular dishes. Don’t forget to check out the wine list, you old romantic. Vegetarian friendly, open late Fri. and Sat. Lunch Entrée: $7-$10, dinner: $12. A G R

Parker’s Tuscan Grill 1919 Stout Rd., Menomonie • 231-4999 • Parker’s offers up family-style eats in a comfortable, laidback atmosphere. The ribs are a hit, slow-roasted, grilled, and messy – glazed in a BBQ sauce made from scratch. The clam linguini is also a crowd-pleaser. Sunday brunch buffet from 10am2pm. Semi-private meeting room available, outdoor seating. Meatless pasta dishes available. Entrée: $6$15. A G R Pizza Hut Italian Bistro 2307 Hwy. 25 N, Menomonie

• 235-9044 • www.pizzahut.com • Pizza Hut Italian

from the Dining Guide at: Shanghai Bistro

“

2930 Craig Road, Eau Claire • 835-3348

review by indieglow

The Lava roll is my hands down favorite, it’s spicy and has all the right combinations of flavors. Strange flavor chicken is a great option if you aren’t a big fan of sushi. That’s part of the appeal of this restaurant, if you love sushi, but your friends don’t, they can find a number of tasty dishes! The music only adds to the fun.

”

Write your own restaurant reviews of more than 250 establishments at www.VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

52

More online at VolumeOne.org

Bistro offers a more upscale take on Pizza Hut’s usual offerings, updating the eatery’s look with fancier décor and an open kitchen. The 10-inch personal pizzas use a sweeter crust and are available with gourmet toppings.

Specialty sandwiches, pasta dishes, and appetizers are also available. Vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $7. A D G

Sbarro 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire •

839-9766 • www.sbarro.com • Great for a quick slice of cheesy thin crust or a bowl of pasta, Sbarro also features less common fare like stuffed pizzas and strombolis.

Meatless pizza, stromboli, and pasta sauces available.

Entrée: $7.50. G

JAPANESE Kobe’s Japanese 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire • 838-9888 • Located in Oakwood Mall’s Café Court, this Japanese grill serves up fresh veggies and meat - hot and fast. The chicken and shrimp dishes are a big crowd pleaser. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $4-$7. G Shanghai Bistro 2930 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 835-

3348 • A contemporary urban atmosphere thrives at Shanghai Bistro - Eau Claire’s only true sushi and sashimi house. Using centuries-old preparation techniques while experimenting with fresh, new seafood (and other ingredients) from well beyond the Midwest, the Bistro’s chefs keep things lively.

Signature sushi includes a number of rolls, including the Red Dragon Roll, and the Strange Flavor Chicken stir-fry is a local favorite. Live music Wed, Fri, and Sat, outdoor seating, very vegetarian friendly. Reservations are taken for groups of 8 or more. Entrée: $8-$9, ala carte sushi starts at $5. A G R Q

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant 2426 London Rd., Eau

Claire • 834-0313 • A teppanyaki-style restaurant where hungry patrons sit around an iron griddle and look on as the trained chef prepares your meal, cajoling fresh ingredients into miniature acrobatics. The fresh seafood dishes are a particular favorite. Teppanyaki dining is available for dinner only, while patrons can be seated at non-grill-containing tables for a lunch of traditional Japanese cuisine. Vegetarian friendly. Closed Mondays.

Entrée: $14-$20. A G R Q

MEDITERRANEAN Mona Lisa’s 428 Water St., Eau Claire • 839-8969

• www.monalisas.biz • The deep, rich colors, original artwork, and Mediterranean vibe is reason enough to check out Mona’s. But the menu - which changes weekly depending on what’s fresh - offers plenty of other reasons. The original seafood dishes are a must, and the thin-crust pizzas are worth your time. Don’t forget to check out the extensive wine list and popular Mona Margarita. If the weather’s nice, get yourself seated in Mona’s charming back patio. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Closed Sunday and Monday. Entrée: $12-$24. A G R Q

MEXICAN Burrachos Fresh Mexican Grill 5314 Prill Rd., Eau

Claire • 834-1843 // 329 Water St., Eau Claire • 8356195 • www.burrachos.com • Burrachos serves up made-to-order Mexican fare in a fun, contemporary atmosphere. You get to build your own zesty entrées, selecting from fresh meats, veggies, cheeses, and sauces - just start at one end of the counter and let the chefs guide you along. The ginormous burrito is a definite crowd favorite. Open late Thurs-Sat, takes reservations.

Entrée: $6. A G R

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

53

More online at VolumeOne.org

Eateries around the Valley offering FREE wireless internet access to customers.

eau claire

Jersey’s Neighborhood Sports Bar & Grill

Men • 235-9940

The Living Room Coffee House & Drive-Thru

Golden Leaf Café 1706 Stout Rd, Men • 231-5323

Mancino’s Grinders and Pizza 4056 Cmnwlth

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar, Menomonie 1815

29 Pines Corner of Hwys 29 & T, EC • 874-2929 420 Internet Cafe 420 Washington St., EC • 833-

2006 Cameron St, EC • 831-0245

Acoustic Cafe, Eau Claire 505 S. Barstow St.,

Ave, EC • 835-4000 // 809 W. Clrmnt Ave, EC • 835-4100 • mancinoseauclaire.com

9975 • www.cafe420.com

EC • 832-9090 • www.theacoustic.com/eauclaire

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar 4745 Golf Rd., EC • 831-1255 • www.applebees.com

Maple Lounge & Café 2507 S. Hastings Way, EC • 552-1998

Boston’s: The Gourmet Pizza 1920 S. Hastings

Mogie’s Pub and Restaurant 436 Water St., EC • 836-9666 • www.mogiespub.com

The Barley Club at Pine Meadow 4324 Fairfax

Mona Lisa’s 428 Water St., EC • 839-8969 • Monkey in the Middle Pizza 2402 Lorch Ave, in

Way, EC • 832-5100 • www.bostonsec.com Park Dr., EC • 831-9224

Brewski’s 1202 W. Clrmnt Ave., EC • 834-3181 Buffalo Wild Wings 4612 Keystone Crossing, EC • 858-9453 • www.buffalowildwings.com

Burgandy’s Restaurant 1202 W. Clairemont Ave., EC • 834-3181 • www.plazaeauclaire.com

City Limits Restaurant 2100 Co. Trk. B, Men •

235-1166

The Coffee Grounds 3460 Mall Dr., Hwy. 93, EC • 834-1733 // 2116 Craig Rd., EC • 797-2198

Connell’s II, Airport 3800 Starr Ave, EC • 833-9400 Culver’s 2021 Brackett Ave, EC • 831-1060 // 2520 Folsom St., EC • 831-0741 • culvers.com

Dana’s Bar & Grill - Eau Claire 6505 Texaco Dr.,

EC • 874-5954

Dessert First Bakery Cafe 210 S. Barstow St., EC • 833-8440 • www.getdessertfirst.com

Draganetti’s Ristorante 3120 Hillcrest Pkwy., Altoona • 834-9234 • www.draganettis.com

The Dulany 105 Garfield. Ave, EC • 836-5261 Erbert and Gerbert’s 409 Water St, EC • 8359995 // 3003 London Rd, EC • 552-1933 // 2402 Lorch Ave., Action City, EC • 838-9663

Action City, EC • 838-9663 • actioncityfun.com

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560 Okwd Mall Dr., EC • 552-0510 • northwoodsbrewpub.com The Nucleus Café 405 Water St., EC • 834-7777 Panera Bread 4601 Keystone Crossing, EC •

834-9752 • www.panerabread.com

Pizza Plus Eatery 208 S. Barstow, EC • 832-8844 Porter’s 205 S. Barstow St, in the Ramada, EC • 855-0856 • www.ramadaeauclaire.edu

Quizno’s 2520 Golf Rd, EC • 834-7827 // 913 S. Hastings Way, EC • 834-2388 • quiznos.com

Racy D’lene’s Coffee Lounge 404 Riverside Ave., EC • 834-0000 • www.racysnucleus.com Starbucks 2016 S Hastings, EC • 834-2513 // 953 W. Clrmnt Ave., EC • 836-7320 // 3649 S. Hastings, EC • 838-0196 // 2016 S. Hastings, EC • 834-2513

Hamilton Ave, EC • 835-3229

Whiskey Dicks 943 Harlem Ave., Altoona • 829-

3425 • www.whiskeydicks.net

Acoustic Cafe, Meno. 102 Main, Men • 235-1115 Blind Munchies 621 Wilson Ave., Men • 235Caribou Coffee 2321 State Hwy 25 N #308, Men

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar, Eau Claire 2703

• 235-3627 • www.cariboucoffee.com

Harmony Corner Café 2855 Mall, EC • 552-5530 Haymarket Grill 101 Graham Ave., EC • 552-

Suite 1, Men • 231-2222

InfiniTea Teahouse 112 Grand, EC • 514-1975 • Jade Garden 3620 Gateway Dr., EC • 833-9868

235-2465 • www.jakesontainterlake.com

Menomonie Log Jam 709 S. Broadway St., Men • 235-0703 • www.Menlogjam.com

Parker’s Tuscan Grill 1919 Stout, Men • 231-4999 Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 1720 N. Broadway St., Men • 235-2234 •

Pioneer Grill & Saloon E5699 Co. Trk. D, Men •

235-9927 • www.pioneergrill.com

Quizno’s 2521 Hills Ct., Men • 233-2064 Raw Deal 603 S. Broadway St., Men • 231-3255 Silver Dollar Saloon & The Brick Company Restaurant 315 Main St., Men • 235-9390 Skoog’s Parkside 932 N. Broadway St, Men • 235-6124 • www.skoogsparkside.com

Stout Ale House 1501 N. Broadway St., Men • 233-3333 • www.stoutalehouse.com

Waterfront Bar & Grill 512 Crescent St., Men • 235-6541

chippewa falls

Bridgewater Restaurant & Pub 1009 W. Park, CF • 723-6941 • avalonhotelchippewafalls.com

9300 • streetlevel.uwstout.edu/theblindmunchies

3400 • www.haymarketgrill.com

Jake’s Supper Club E5690 County Rd. D, Men •

Tacos Juanita Mexican Restaurant 2873 E.

Ave., EC • 834-5777 • sweetwatersec.com

Goat Coffee House 408 Water, EC • 831-4491 Golden Spike Bar & Grill 228 Division St., Craig Rd., EC • 839-8687 • greenmilleauclaire.com

N. Brdwy St., Men • 235-3000 • greenmill.com

Bridge Street Station 212 N Bridge St., CF • 738-1111 • www.burgersandtrains.com

menomonie

Altoona • 552-5526

• www.goldenleafcafe.com

Sweetwaters Restaurant & Bar 1104 W. Clrmnt

Altoona • 832-9711 • www.fischersgreen.com

Fanny Hill 3919 Crescent Ave, EC • 836-8184 • Fischer’s On The Green 2333 Hillcrest Pkwy.,

Dean & Sue’s Bar & Grill 2002 Midway Rd.,

2839 Mall Dr., EC • 552-5929

Cravings Coffee Shop 1320 N. Broadway St., The Creamery Restaurant & Inn E4620 Co. Rd. C, Downsville • 664-8354 • thenewcreamery.com

Culver’s 1330 Stout Rd, Men • 233-0330 • Das Bierhaus 120 6th Ave. W, Men • 231-3230 •

www.dasbierhaus-wi.com

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

54

Camille’s Sidewalk Café 1120 122nd St., Suite 3, CF • 833-2233 • www.camillescafe.com/

The Coffee Grounds 3042 Cmmrcl, CF • 797-2370 Culver’s 2573 Commercial Blvd, CF • 726-9343 Dana’s Bar & Grill - Chippewa Falls 465 Chippewa Mall Dr., CF • 726-1749

Duncan Creek Wine Bar and Grille 213 N.

Bridge St., CF • 723-7000

Fill-Inn Station 104 W. Columbia, CF • 723-6551 Glen Loch Saloon 1300 Jefferson, CF • 723-1297 Jensen’s Bar & Grill 19 W. Central, CF • 861-3838 Loopy’s Saloon & Grill 10691 Business. Hwy. 29, CF • 723-5667 • www.723loop.com

Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N. Bridge St., CF • 7209800 • www.foreign5.com/lucys

Vally’s Restaurant 1117 Pumphouse Rd., CF • 726-1199 • www.vallysrestaurant.com

More online at VolumeOne.org

Cancun Mexican Grill 475 Chippewa Mall Dr., Chippewa Falls • 723-7007 // 2120 Highland Ave., Eau Claire • 552-8011 // 2713 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 830-0211 • www.cancungrills.com • A classic Mexican restaurant featuring a south-of-theborder atmosphere and all the favorite dishes including fajitas, chimichangas, and more. Vegetarian friendly, private party room. Entrée: $6-$10. A G Q Casa Mexicana 324 N. Bridge St, Chippewa Falls •

726-2315 • A Mexican restaurant featuring a festive vibe and all of your south-off-the-border favorites, including seafood, fajitas, chimichangas, and more.

Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $6-$10. A G S R Q

Dona Rita Mexican Restaurant 1415 N. Broadway

St, Menomonie • 235-3867 • A classic Mexican eatery where every plate is a little fiesta on your table. Locals love the chimichangas – crispy and golden-brown on the outside, meaty and cheesy on the inside. Vegetarian friendly, some catering available. Lunch Entrée: $7, Dinner Entree: $9. A G R

El Patio 228 Water St, Eau Claire • 855-8590 // 2823 London Rd, Eau Claire • 552-5973 // 1414 E. 9th St, Menomonie • 233-1476 • A lively place for Mexican fare. Bring a group a friends for the chimichangas or the sizzling fajitas, packed with tasty onions and peppers. Private party room (Menomonie only), vegetarian friendly, open late Thu.-Sat. (Eau Claire, Water St. only). Photo from the London Road location.

Lunch Entrée: $5, dinner: $8. A G Q Manny’s Cocina 4207 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire • 514-0818 • www.mannysmexican.com • Manny’s strives to create a grand view of coastal Mexico through its lush interior and succulent menu packed with seafood, steaks, and Mexican specialties.

Signature items include the Seven Seas Burrito packed with scallops, jumbo white shrimp, and Mahi-mahi – all covered in a chardonnay sauce. Locals also love the sweet crab-stuffed shrimp, wrapped in bacon and grilled. Very vegetarian friendly, outdoor seating, private and semi-private party and meeting space available. Happy hour runs 3-6pm, seven days a week.

Entrée: $8-$25. A G R Q Milwaukee Burger Company 2620 E Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-6503 • Though the name might suggest this restaurant is a regional import, it’s not – this is the first Milwaukee Burger ever built. The menu features lots of great burger combinations, giant real cheese curds, and all sorts of tasty drink concoctions.

Bestselling patty, the Famous Juicy Lucy, conceals a “molten core of cheese.” Open until midnight, Thursday through Sunday, and features live music on Saturday nights. Reservations available for parties of six or more. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée $4.50-$15. A G R Tacos Juanita Mexican Restaurant 2873 E. Hamilton

Ave, Eau Claire • 835-3229 • Eating here offers you enough legitimate street cred to confidently inform anyone within earshot, “If you want real Mexican food, I know the place.” Cooking up food that actual Mexicans eat, Tacos Juanita provides a modest dining

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2008 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

55

More online at VolumeOne.org

room to enjoy signature items like the carnitas pork – slow roasted, juicy pork which can be used in tacos, burritos, and other traditional dishes. Other favorites include the homemade tamales and the posole (pork stew). Also serving Torta Sandwiches (hot subs) with your choice of vegetarian or meaty ingredients. Get there early on Sat. and Sun. for an authentic Mexican breakfast. Outdoor seating, private party area, carryout service, catering services, vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $3-$13. A G

PIZZA 3rd Shift’s Pasty Pizza and More 1722 N. Claire-

mont Ave., Eau Claire • 831-7171 • Third shifters have hit the jackpot at this late-night eatery. Choose from a variety of pasties, like the hearty signature Cornish pasty, a crusty, warm pocket filled with ground sirloin and pork tip, carrots, and potatoes. Purchase one fresh, or take home a dozen frozen pasties to fill your belly all winter long. Pizzas are take-and-bake, or heated in the store. Pizza dough and pasty crust are prepared from scratch. 3rd Shift uses all fresh ingredients, including baby portabella mushrooms and tricolor peppers. Give 48 hours notice for orders of six or more pasties. Items can be altered to be vegetarian friendly. Pasties $5, Pizza $6-$20.

Boston’s: The Gourmet Pizza 1920 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 832-5100 • www.bostonsec.com • Known for their big menu of pastas and pizzas, plus burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers, Boston’s has a sports bar vibe but with gourmet food. Check out their outdoor patio in season. Vegetarian friendly, open late.

Free wireless internet, free delivery. Entrée: $10-$17.

A D G R Buzzy’s Pizza Emporium 414 Water St., Eau Claire •

552-1600 • www.buzzyspe.com • Get pizza by the slice or order whole pies. Known for their mac ‘n’ cheese pizza and other specialty pizzas, as well as soup, subs, burgers, chicken wings, and more. Open very late.

Vegetarian friendly (veggie pizzas and sandwiches).

Entrée: $10-$20. D

Domino’s Pizza 3311 London Rd., Eau Claire • 833-

3933 // 1719 N Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • 833-3930 // 354 Chippewa Mall Dr, Chippewa Falls • 726-2626 // 1205 Broadway St. S, Menomonie • 232-6333 • www. dominos.com • Domino’s delivers a wide selection of thin, hand-tossed, and deep dish crust pizzas right to your doorstep. They’ve also got breadsticks, chicken wings, and desserts. Large specialty pizza: $16. D

Godfather’s Pizza 2510 Mondovi Rd, Eau Claire • 830-9362 • www.godfathers.com • Godfather’s is the home of thick and cheesy pizza pies. Popular menu items include the local favorite Taco Pizza (taco sauce, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, beef, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions). Weekday lunch buffet, private party room, meatless pizzas available. Large specialty pizza: $17. A D G R Green Mill Restaurant & Bar, Eau Claire 2703 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 839-8687 • www.greenmilleauclaire.

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2008 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

56

More online at VolumeOne.org

com • With its full menu available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, the Green Mill wants you to get full. Among other items, the menu features specialty pizzas, chicken wings, large salads, and a number of unique pastas such as the Butternut Squash Ravioli.

The bar can mix up an impressive 82 different kinds of martinis and cosmopolitans. Check out the Sunday breakfast/brunch buffet. Private party room, vegetarian friendly, open late. Lunch Entrée: $8, dinner: $12. A D G R

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar, Menomonie 1815 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3000 • www.

effective taste explosion. Every sandwich comes with a crunchy pickle. Catering services, party platters, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $4-$6. A D G Q

Spinach Alfredo and BBQ Chicken Hawaiian specialty pizzas. Student specials, open late. Large specialty pizza: $15. D

Monkey in the Middle Pizza 2402 Lorch Ave, in Action City, Eau Claire • 838-9663 • www. actioncityfun.com • Upbeat and fun, the pizza joint in Action City offers a zesty meal amidst the video games and go-karts. Quirkily-named pizzas fill the menu, and pies like the Boese Special (a mix of barbeque sauce, mozzarella, and cheddar, topped with pepperoni and bacon) will help quell your hunger. A variety of original sauces are available. Private party

Papa Murphy’s Take‘N’Bake Pizza 2123 Brackett

Known for their plentiful, everyday pizza buffet, most locals grew up going here for an after-football/baseball/softball/soccer/etc. celebration.

Pizza Del Re, Eau Claire greenmill.com • Whether it’s a lunch date, a gettogether, or a night out, there’s something for everyone on Green Mill’s robust, green menu. Local favorites include the mouth-watering pizzas, the burgers, and the steaks. Check out the Sunday breakfast/brunch buffet. Outdoor seating, catering, vegetarian friendly, open late on Fri and Sat. Free wireless internet. Lunch entrée: $8, dinner: $13. A D G R

Jeff and Jim’s Pizza 421 Water St., Eau Claire • 8388888 • www.jeffandjims.com • A laidback pizza joint with lots of extra menu items, including the unique and delicious Manjare Roll – a hot pocket-esque concoction with dipping sauces. As far as pizzas go, the meatastic “Farmer Frank” is a popular pie (beef, bacon, bison, chicken, gyro meat, ham, and extra cheese). Meatless pizzas available, open late. Entrée: $5, 2 lg. specialty pizzas: $16. D G R Q

rooms, meatless pizzas available, open late. Free wireless internet. Reservations taken for large groups.

Large pizza: $16. D G R

New York Pizza & Deli 320 Water St., Eau Claire • 835-5000 • A popular after-bar destination, the unassuming and super-casual New York Pizza and Deli offers a quick stop for Greek favorites like hummus, falafel, and (of course) gyros. They also offer pastas and pizza. Vegetarian friendly, open late.

Entrée: $5. D G

Papa John’s Pizza 623 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau

Claire • 839-9393 • www.papajohns.com • Home of “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza,” Papa John’s delivers a number of interesting, robustly-crusted pizza pies right to your doorstep. Check out the

Ave, Eau Claire • 835-3009 // 337 E. Prairie View Rd, Chippewa Falls • 738-1165 // 1506 9th St, Menomonie • 233-1380 • www.papamurphys.com • Made fresh the moment you order, Papa Murphy’s prepares a variety of unique pizzas that you pick up, take home, and cook yourself. Six-time winner of “Best Pizza Chain in America” consumers’ choice award. They also offer cookie dough and a delightful cinnamon wheel for a fresh-baked dessert. Vegetarian friendly. Large specialty pizza: $14.

Piff’s Pizza 622 N. Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls

• 720-0915 • A laidback neighborhood pizza joint with specialty pies like chicken with original ranch sauce and the popular Piff’s Special with pepperoni, sausage, onion, peppers, and olives. Sandwiches also available. Meatless pizzas available. Entrée: $6, lg. specialty pizza: $12. D G

Piff’s Pizza at the Eagle’s Club Eagle’s Club, 2588 Hallie Rd, Hallie • 456-7433 • A pizza place with specialty pies like the popular Piff’s Special with pepperoni, sausage, onion, peppers, and olives.

Sandwiches also available. Check out the bingo action on Wednesday nights. Outdoor seating, Friday buffet, meatless pizzas available, banquet and catering services. Entrée: $6, lg. specialty pizza: $19.

A G S R Pizza Del Re 911 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 834-0703 • www.pizzadelre.com • Known for their plentiful, everyday pizza buffet, most of the locals grew up going to Pizza Del Re for an after-football/

Jeff’s Pizza 145 Main St., Menomonie • 231-3131 • www.jeffspizzashop.com • A laid back pizza joint with lots of extra menu items, including the unique and delicious Manjare Roll – a hot pocket-esque concoction with dipping sauces. As far as pizzas go, the meatastic “Farmer Frank” is a popular pie (beef, bacon, bison, gyro meat, ham, and extra cheese).

Check out the buffet. Private party room, meatless pizzas available, open late. Entrée: $5, lg. specialty pizza: $16. A D G R JimBob’s Pizza 3636 Melby St, Chippewa Falls •

836-0909 • www.jimbobspizza.com • Basically a Jeff and Jim’s Pizza (but next to Bob’s Gas Station, thus the name), JimBob’s tosses up a variety of gourmet pizzas, including BBQ Ranch Chicken & Bacon, Philly Steak, and The Creamy Grecian (a pizza with gyro meat). They have Jeff and Jim’s signature Manjare Roll (a “pizza egg roll”), and an impressive bunch of subs. In addition to dine-in, carryout, and delivery, they also offer drive-thru service. Outdoor seating, meatless pizzas available. Entrée: $5, lg. specialty pizza: $16. D G

Little Caesars 2905 Mall Dr, Eau Claire • 8304040 • www.littlecaesars.com • Caesars has a wide selection of thin, medium, and deep dish crust pizzas, as well as crazy bread, chicken wings, and churros. It also has pizzas ready to be picked up all day, every day. Pizza: $5-$15. Q Mancino’s Grinders and Pizza 4056 Commonwealth Ave, Eau Claire • 835-4000 // 809 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • 835-4100 • www.mancinoseauclaire. com • Mancino’s is fast, relaxed, and family-friendly.

Their trademark “grinder” sandwiches are toasted open-face on bread baked fresh everyday. The popular Chicken Ranch grinder combines marinated chicken, bacon, cheese, ranch sauce, and mayo for a simple yet Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

57

More online at VolumeOne.org

baseball/softball/soccer/etc. celebration. It’s a casual joint serving up a classic thin-crust pizza. Private party room, meatless pizzas available, open late Thur. through Sat. Lunch buffet: $4.50, dinner buffet: $5.50, lg. specialty pizza: $15 Lunch buffet: $4.50, dinner buffet: $5.50, lg. specialty pizza: $15. A D G R Q

Pizza Hut 2602 E. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • 834-5346 // 1242 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • 834-1004 // 2225 Eddy Lane, Eau Claire • 833-1222 // 225 Prairieview Rd, Chippewa Falls • 723-2812 • www.pizzahut.com • A popular national pizza chain, Pizza Hut offers a family atmosphere at its dine-in locations. A variety of specialty pies, crust styles, novelty crusts, and sides are always available. Lunch buffet available in Eau Claire. Meatless pizza and pasta sauces available, open late, vegetarian friendly.

Large specialty pizza: $16. A D G Pizza Hut Italian Bistro 2307 Hwy. 25 N, Menomonie

• 235-9044 • www.pizzahut.com • Pizza Hut Italian Bistro offers a more upscale take on Pizza Hut’s usual offerings, updating the eatery’s look with fancier décor and an open kitchen. The 10-inch personal pizzas use a sweeter crust and are available with gourmet toppings. Specialty sandwiches, pasta dishes, and appetizers are also available. Vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $7. A D G

Pizza Plus Eatery 208 S. Barstow St, Eau Claire • 832-

8844 • A casual eatery with brick walls and a pressed tin ceiling, Pizza Plus is known for its lunch specials and thin-crust pizza. All pizzas are made entirely from scratch. Attached to the Bottle and Barrel bar, the restaurant also offers burgers, sandwiches, and other items. Private party area, meatless pizzas available, open late Fri. and Sat. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7, lg. specialty pizza: $20. A G R Q

Red Zone Sports Bar 2071 S. Prairie View Rd, Chippewa Falls • 726-3030 • This down-to-earth and friendly sports bar offers food that goes beyond runof-the-mill bar food. While their burgers are worthy of many compliments, the bar favorite is the Philly Cheesesteak. Also serving appetizers such as cheese curds and wings, and homemade soups. Outdoor seating, smoking allowed, reservations for larger parties, open late. $5-$7.

Rocky Rococo Pizza and Pasta 4800 Golf Rd.,

Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire • 839-7699 • www. rockyrococo.com • Known for robust, square-shaped slices, Rocky Rococo serves their pizza hot and fast.

Customer favorites include the Rococo Chicago sausage special and the tasty breadsticks. Meatless pizza and pasta sauces available. Combo: $6-$7. G

Sammy’s Pizza Restaurant & Pub 2812 London

Rd., Eau Claire • 831-1300 • www.mysammys.com • With a family-style pizza place up front (complete

with cool diner furniture) and a full-scale bar in the back, Sammy’s is great for lunch, dinner, or a night out. Bring your friends for the House Special – pepperoni, hamburger, kosher salami, sausage, mushrooms, onion, and green pepper – or check out the new broasted chicken. Live music on Fridays, weekday lunch buffet, private party room, meatless pizza and pasta sauces available, open late Fri. and Sat. Entrée: $7, lg. specialty pizza: $17.75. A D G R Q

Sbarro 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire

• 839-9766 • www.sbarro.com • Great for a quick slice of cheesy thin crust or a bowl of pasta, Sbarro also features less common fare like stuffed pizzas and strombolis. Meatless pizza, stromboli, and pasta sauces available. Entrée: $7.50. G

Ted’s Pizza Palace 306 E. Main St, Menomonie •

235-0600 • www.tedspizzapie.com • An authentic pizza parlor that crafts its own sausage, sauces, and crust, Ted’s is a family favorite. There’s something for everyone, as the menu also features broasted chicken, hot beefs, and gyros (complete with a creamy family recipe sauce). Games and TVs keep things fun and casual. Meatless pizza and pasta sauces available.

Open late. Entrée: $8-$9, lg. specialty pizza: $18. A D G

Topper’s Pizza 1616 N. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • 552-1111 // 2159 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire • 8331111 • www.toppers.com • Delivering buffalo wings, grinders, quesadillas, and more, Topper’s ain’t just for pizza. Their specialty pies are topped with everything from pepperoni to gyro meat to steak fajitas to chicken cordon blue. The Topperstix cheese sticks are an appetizer standard in these parts. Topper’s quirky flyers and on-hold marketing spiels are a hoot.

Meatless pizzas available, open late. Large specialty pizza: $17. D G Q

RAW FOOD Raw Deal 603 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 231-

3255 • www.rawdeal-wi.com • A local oasis for the raw food movement, Raw Deal doesn’t cook any of its food. The menu, which changes daily, blends organic produce to create entrées near-identical in taste to heat-prepped cuisine. Made with locally-grown veggies, you’ll find items like creamy green enchiladas, stuffed Portobello mushrooms, and savory cabbage rolls. Specialty beer and wines are also on the menu. The shop also features a bakery and full service coffee bar which uses organic beans they roast themselves. Check out the organic fruit smoothies and the key lime bars. Open Sunday mornings, catering services, very vegetarian friendly, music shows and open mic nights. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$8.

A D G R

from the Dining Guide at: Lucy’s Delicatessen

“

117 N Bridge St., Chip. Falls • 720-9800

review by Shep_Huntwood

Finally, a sandwich shop with food worth the price. I’ve grown tired of all the cafés charging $6 for a glorified Hot Pocket. At Lucy’s I can get a truly unique, delicious sandwich with a side of my choosing, along with a cup of some flavor of soup I’ve never even imagined. The Italian Mafia sandwich is my current favorite.

”

Write your own restaurant reviews of more than 250 establishments at www.VolumeOne.org Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

58

More online at VolumeOne.org

ANDREA PAULSETH

MENOMONIE

Excluding fast food & pizza chains.

Acoustic Café 102 Main St. • 235-1115 Blind Munchies 621 Wilson Ave. • 235-9300 Bullfrog’s Eat My Fish Farm N1321 Bullfrog Rd. • 664-8775

City Limits Restaurant 2100 Co. Trk. B • 2351166

Country Kitchen Restaurant 1705 Plaza Dr •

235-9541

Cravings Coffee Shop 1320 N. Broadway St., Suite 1, Men • 231-2222

Das Bierhaus 120 6th Ave. W, Men • 231-3230 • www.dasbierhaus-wi.com

The trademark high-back booths make Menomonie’s Acoustic Café a great place for lunch, a casual meeting, or just to hang out. Live music on many weekend nights.

SANDWICHES/SUBS 420 Internet Café 420 Washington St., Eau Claire

• 833-9975 • www.café420.com • Eclectic décor, bamboo floors, and soothing colors are the backdrop for 420 Internet Café’s full service coffee bar and sandwich shop. Try the signature gyro sandwich or the popular chocolate truffle mocha drink. Internet stations, outdoor seating, private party services.

Vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$5. G

Acoustic Café, Eau Claire 505 S. Barstow St., Eau

Claire • 832-9090 • www.theacoustic.com/eauclaire • This downtown destination wants to make sure éno one hungers for lack of a better sandwich. Known for their hot hoagies, the spacious and creative café also has pitas, soups, salads, a number of bakedfrom-scratch cookies, muffins, and more. Try their gourmet coffees and espresso drinks to wash your meal down. Expect live music on the weekends and outdoor seating in season. Vegetarian friendly, open until 11pm Fri. and Sat. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$8. A G Q

Acoustic Café, Menomonie 102 Main St.,

Menomonie • 235-1115 • A topnotch hoagie shop (everything from corned beef to hummus) that bakes its own bread from scratch, the Menomonie Acoustic Café features a cozy atmosphere and open mic every other Thursday. The trademark high-back booths make it a great place to do lunch, a casual meeting, or to just hang out. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, open late Fri. and Sat. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$6. A G Q

Buzzy’s Pizza Emporium 414 Water St., Eau Claire •

552-1600 • www.buzzyspe.com • Get pizza by the slice or order whole pies. Known for their mac ‘n’ cheese pizza and other specialty pizzas, as well as soup, subs, burgers, chicken wings, and more. Open very late.

Vegetarian friendly (veggie pizzas and sandwiches).

Entrée: $10-$20. D

Camille’s Sidewalk Café 1120 122nd St., Suite

3, Chippewa Falls • 833-2233 • www.camillescafé. com/ • Camille’s fast, casual dining offers an all-day

breakfast from 7am to 9pm, wraps, grilled Panini, sandwiches, salads, pizza, soup, coffee, and smoothies.

They feature their own brand of soup and salsa, and offer catering services. Free wireless internet. Outdoor seasonal seating, private area available. Entrée: $7. D G R

The Coffee Grounds 3460 Mall Dr., Hwy. 93, Eau

Claire • 834-1733 // 2116 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 797-2198 // 3042 Commercial Blvd., Chippewa Falls • 797-2370 • www.thecoffeegrounds.com • A casual, European-style café plopped into the middle of a gourmet food/coffee/beer/wine/cigar/gift shop, The Coffee Grounds offers a variety of baked goods, soups, and fresh, unique sandwiches. Their menu is always evolving, but if you see their terrific tomato bisque on the board, go for it. And don’t forget about the coffee (they roast their own beans). Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet.

Entrée: $5-$7. A G Q

Cousin’s Subs 311 E. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire •

833-0600 • www.cousinssubs.com • A franchise sub shop offering subs of all sorts. Famous for their Italian Special. Some outdoor seating and vegetarian friendly.

Entrée: $4-$7. D G

Dessert First Bakery Café 210 S. Barstow St.,

Eau Claire • 833-8440 • www.getdessertfirst.com • Famous for its multitude of many-flavored cupcakes, this California-inspired bakery and café offers cookies and scones as well as lunchtime sandwiches, savory breakfast muffins, and an array of beverage delights. n/a. D G Q

Erbert and Gerbert’s 409 Water St, Eau Claire •

835-9995 // 3003 London Rd, Eau Claire • 552-1933 // 2402 Lorch Ave., Action City, Eau Claire • 838-9663 • www.erbertandgerberts.com • The Eau Claire-based sandwich chain known for their fresh subs and clubs including the Boney Billy, the Jacob Bluefinger, the Comet Morehouse, and more. Plus a good sized selection of soups, chips, and pickles. Vegetarian friendly. Outdoor seating and open late (‘til 3 am!) at the Water Street location. Entrée: $4-$5. D G Q

The Goat Coffee House 408 Water St., Eau Claire • 831-4491 • A relaxed, full-scale coffee house offering

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

59

Dean & Sue’s Bar & Grill 2002 Midway Rd., Men

• 235-9940

Dona Rita Mexican Restaurant 1415 N.

Broadway St • 235-3867

El Patio 1414 E. 9th St, Men • 233-1476 Fortune Cookie Chinese Restaurant 319 S. Broadway St. • 235-3532

Golden Leaf Café 1706 Stout Rd • 231-5323 Jake’s Supper Club E5690 County Rd. D • 2352465

Jeff’s Pizza 145 Main St., Men • 231-3131 Kingdom Buffet 1502 E. 9th St. • 233-0465 Kyote’s Den Bar & Grill E2339 Hwy 29 • 2352777

Legacy Chocolates 632 S. Broadway St. • 231-

2580

Menomonie Family Restaurant 2616 Hils Ct • 235-9000

Menomonie Log Jam 709 S. Broadway St. • 2350703

Parker’s Tuscan Grill 1919 Stout Rd. • 231-4999 Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 1720 N. Broadway St. • 235-2234

Pioneer Grill & Saloon E5699 Co. Trk. D • 2359927

Raw Deal 603 S. Broadway St. • 231-3255 Silver Dollar Saloon & The Brick Company Restaurant 315 Main St. • 235-9390 Skoog’s Parkside 932 N. Broadway St • 2356124

Stout Ale House 1501 N. Broadway St. • 233-

3333

Ted’s Pizza Palace 306 E. Main St, Men • 2350600 • www.tedspizzapie.com The Flame Three 1632 N. Broadway St., Men •

235-5154

Waterfront Bar & Grill 512 Crescent St., Men •

235-6541

Zanzibar Restaurant and Pub 228 E. Main St.,

Men • 231-9269

More online at VolumeOne.org

CHIPPEWA FALLS Excluding fast food & pizza chains.

an eclectic selection of fresh sandwiches, The Goat sports an interesting mix of furniture and décor. All sandwiches are prepared with sauces from Silver Spring. A vegetarian delight is the Green Olive Twist (hummus, green olives, onion, and Swiss). Check out the fruit smoothies and cold, blended coffee drinks.

Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$6. R

Hallie Bar and Grill 1713 Cty. Hwy OO, Hallie • 861-

Bake ‘n’ Brew Cafe 17255 Co. Hwy. X • 720-2360 Bresina’s Hometown Bar and Grill 12037 County Highway B • 288-6303

Bresina’s Old Home Restaurant 704 E. Grand

Ave. • 723-7973

Bridge Street Station 212 N Bridge St. • 738-1111 Bridgewater Restaurant and Pub 1009 W. Park Ave. • 723-6941

Camille’s Sidewalk Café 1120 122nd St., Suite 3

• 833-2233

Casa Mexicana 324 N. Bridge St • 726-2315 China Buffet 475 Chippewa Mall Dr. • 726-9886 Chippewa Family Restaurant 1701 Kennedy Rd • 723-4751

Connell’s Supper Club 18525 50th • 723-5656 Dana’s Bar & Grill 465 Chippewa Mall • 726-1749 Duncan Creek Wine Bar and Grille 213 N. Bridge

St. • 723-7000

Fill-Inn Station 104 W. Columbia St. • 723-6551 Four Corners 14982 Co. Hwy. F • 723-6783 Glen Loch Saloon 1300 Jefferson Ave. • 723-1297 Golden Eagle Restaurant 16760 Co. Trk. X • 723-2948

Harpole’s Supper Club 19845 Co. Trk. X • 7233006

Heckel’s Family Restaurant 2621 Hwy. 53 • 723-0844

High Shores Supper Club 17985 Co. Trk. X • 723-9854

James Sheeley House 236 W. River • 726-0561 Jensen’s Bar and Grill 19 W. Central • 861-3838 JimBob’s Pizza 3636 Melby St • 836-0909 LaGrander’s Drive-In 18143 Co. Trk. X • 723-0672 Lake Wissota Golf Course 16108 97th Ave. • 1888-382-4780

Loopy’s Saloon & Grill 10691 Business. Hwy. 29 • 723-5667

Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N. Bridge St. • 720-9800 Olsen’s Ice Cream Parlor & Deli 611 N. Bridge

St • 723-4331

Piff’s Pizza 622 N. Bridge St. • 720-0915 Schreck’s Place 10764 Co. Hwy. Q • 288-6331 Sweeney’s Bar & Grill 201 E. Canal • 723-9905 The Cabin on Grand 24 W. Grand Ave. • 723-4025 The Coffee Grounds 3042 Commercial Blvd. • 797-2370

Vally’s Restaurant 1117 Pumphouse • 726-1199 West Hill Bar 250 W. Elm St., CF • 720-9281

3870 • A popular game day spot, the Hallie Bar and Grill also has a full pub menu. Between cheers and boos, grub on over 20 different burgers. The Western Burger gets a cheer, with a half pound of ground beef, bacon, cheese, onion, and barbecue sauce. Check out the Friday night Fish Fry. Daily drink and meal specials offered. The grill is open until 9pm weeknights, and 10pm Friday and Saturday. Entreé $5-$20. A G S R

Jensen’s Bar and Grill 19 W. Central St., Chippewa Falls • 861-3838 • Open seven days a week, Jensen’s is an “old school tavern” offering a full menu of traditional (and hot!) pub fare. Hot wings, hot ham n’ swiss, and homemade hot beer mustard are sought-

Mancino’s Grinders and Pizza 4056 Commonwealth

Ave, Eau Claire • 835-4000 // 809 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • 835-4100 • www.mancinoseauclaire. com • Mancino’s is fast, relaxed, and family-friendly.

Their trademark “grinder” sandwiches are toasted open-face on bread baked fresh everyday. The popular Chicken Ranch grinder combines marinated chicken, bacon, cheese, ranch sauce, and mayo for a simple yet effective taste explosion. Every sandwich comes with a crunchy pickle. Catering services, party platters, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $4-$6. A D G Q

Nelson Cheese Factory 1636 Harding Ave, Eau Claire • 834-2000 • www.nelsoncheese.com • A great little cheese shop that happens to serve a wide range of gorgeous, deli-fresh sandwiches, Nelson Cheese Factory is the place to go for a terrific carry-out lunch.

Served on wheat, pumpernickel, or French breads, the sandwiches are bursting at the seams with tantalizing ingredients. Popular menu items include the Hot Eddie (ham, bacon, cheddar, veggies, and mayo on toasted wheat), and the Town of Nelson (ham, turkey, veggies, Monterey jack, and cheddar with special sauce). The shop is also a popular neighborhood stop for fresh ice cream. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $6.

A relaxed, full-scale coffee house offering an eclectic selection of fresh sandwiches. The Green Olive Twist is a vegetarian delight.

The Goat Coffee House, Eau Claire after items. Try the Steak ‘n’ Taters plate, an eightounce steak served with coleslaw and Jensen’s own, always-fresh French fries. Homemade soups are also a hit. Reservations taken for large groups but are not required. Free wireless internet. Entreé $5-$7. A G S R

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop 2135 Brackett Ave, Eau Claire • 831-7827 // 923 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire // 1301 N. Broadway, Menomonie • www.jimmyjohns.com • A quick stop for tasty subs, Jimmy John’s aims to please with its food and quirky in-house signage. The shop’s signature sandwich is the J.J. Gargantuan – an intimidating sub packed with Genoa salami, capicola, smoked ham, roast beef, turkey, provolone, and all the fixin’s. Chips, cookies, and pickles are on hand to round out your meal. Catering services, vegetarian friendly, online ordering. Entrée: $5-$6. D The Living Room Coffee House & Drive-Thru

2006 Cameron St, Eau Claire • 831-0245 • The Living Room’s mission is to make you feel at home - as long as your home has a full service coffee bar, Panini sandwiches, baked goods, live music on the weekends, and blended fruit tea smoothies. The monthly drink specials are always popular, as is the breakfast Panini sandwich with sausage and maple syrup. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet.

Entrée: $5.50. G R

Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N. Bridge St., Chippewa

Falls • 720-9800 • www.foreign5.com/lucys • The owners of Lucy’s brought a slice of New York to downtown Chipppewa Falls when they opened up their full-service deli and sandwich shop. One look at their famous reuben or hot beef sandwiches (made with Boar’s Head meat), and you’ll see what’s got the locals so excited. Soups, salads, and personal pizzas are all made from scratch. Be sure to check out Lucy’s Gooeys (caramel rolls) served every day.

Private party/meeting room available, outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Limited delivery, free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$8. A D G R

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

60

The Nucleus Café 405 Water St., Eau Claire • 8347777 • www.racysnucleus.com • Connected via a convenient hallway to Racy D’lene’s Coffee Lounge’s full-service coffee and espresso bar and sandwich shop, The Nucleus is a cozy café with a European vibe serving breakfast and lunch. Check out the desserts, homemade soups, quiches, omelets, and distinctive sandwiches. The Nucleus is also a traditional crêperie, offering a variety of dessert and main meal crêpes.

Stop by for Sunday brunch. Live music, outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$7. A G R Q Olala Paninis & Crepes 4800 Golf Rd., Food Court, Eau Claire • 858-3388 • Healthy choices abound at this food court gem. Order smoothies made out of real fruit and yogurt to accompany your crepe or panini.

Everything is made to order. Choose ingredients such as grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and hummus.

They also offer interesting breakfast options, including the peanut butter and banana panini (grilled sourdough bread) or crepe (thin rolled pancake). Vegetarian friendly. $4-$6.

Olsen’s Ice Cream Parlor & Deli 611 N. Bridge

St, Chippewa Falls • 723-4331 • Heading down to Olsen’s for some homemade ice cream is a favorite local pastime. Their fresh ingredients and tempting sundaes have kept people coming back for decades.

Now you can grab some soup and a deli sandwich prior to dessert. The Turkey BLT is an employee favorite. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$6. D Q

Panera Bread 4601 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire

• 834-9752 • www.panerabread.com • A chain store featuring a full bakery and café where all breads are baked fresh. On the bakery side, they feature 20 different breads, 12 bagels, and 30 sweets and pastries – the Cinnamon Crunch bagel is among the favorites, selling between 400 and 500 a day. The café features 15 different sandwiches, 6 salads, and 6 (of 12) different soups on any given day with Chick and Wild Rice as a best seller. Outdoor patio seating, very

More online at VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

61

More online at VolumeOne.org

NICK MEYER

Duncan Creek Wine Bar and Grille 213 N. Bridge

St., Chippewa Falls • 723-7000 • Customers have compared their dining experience at Duncan Creek to that of a casual, metropolitan bistro. This eatery features a nightly special along with signature dishes such as the pan-seared halibut, the chicken messina stuffed with mozzarella and goat cheese and topped with a tomato vodka sauce all over ricotta ravioli, or the caramel fried banana dessert. More than 70 varieties of wine to choose from. Vegetarian options available. Entrée: $10--$19. A G R

Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub 415 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 835-6621 • www.houligans.net • Rich, worn-in woodwork threads across the walls of Houligans - take a seat at the bar, or in the cozy dining area. It’s a great place to grab a beer and a hearty meal. The menu offers a top-notch selection of steaks and seafood dishes, but the Candied Garlic New York Strip is the big crowd-pleaser. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $12$32. A G R Q

A popular spot for cheese and ice cream, Nelson Cheese Factory also features delectable delifresh sandwiches. Try the Hot Eddie or Town of Nelson, two local favorites. vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Open for Sunday Brunch. Entrée: $5-$9. D

Pizza Hut Italian Bistro 2307 Hwy. 25 N, Menomonie • 235-9044 • www.pizzahut.com • Pizza Hut Italian Bistro offers a more upscale take on Pizza Hut’s usual offerings, updating the eatery’s look with fancier décor and an open kitchen. The 10-inch personal pizzas use a sweeter crust and are available with gourmet toppings.

Specialty sandwiches, pasta dishes, and appetizers are also available. Vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $7. A D G Quizno’s 2520 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • 834-7827 // 913

S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 834-2388 // 2521 Hills Ct., Suite A, Menomonie • 233-2064 • www.quiznos. com • A fancier sandwich chain where most selections are toasted to a melty, golden perfection, Quizno’s is casual and relatively fast. Soups, salads, and cookies are on hand to complement hearty favorites like the mesquite chicken and prime rib subs. Check out the quirky “pepper bar.” Some outdoor seating, a few vegetarian subs, basic catering. Entrée: $3.50-$10. G

Racy D’lene’s Coffee Lounge 404 Riverside

Ave., Eau Claire • 834-0000 • www.racysnucleus. com • Connected via a convenient hallway to The Nucleus Café, Racy’s is a loungey coffee shop with an impressive range of brews. Check out the desserts, homemade soups, and astounding menu of distinctive sandwiches. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$7. G Q

Stones Throw 304 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • 5525882 • www.thestonesthrow.com • This long-time favorite live music venue has a brand new dinner menu which includes homemade appetizers, tasty sandwiches, juicy burgers, and tangy bbq’d ribs.

They also have a weekly Wisconsin favorite, a Friday Night Fish Fry. Check out the happy hour specials and Nintendo Wii on their giant movie screen. Vegetarian friendly, private space available. Entrée: $4-$6. A G S Q The Water Street Deli 522 Water St., Eau Claire •

A deli specializing in Middle Eastern/Syrian cuisine, The Water Street Deli will stock fundamental grocer items as well as Middle Eastern falafels, kabobs, and seasoned rice. n/a.

SEAFOOD Bullfrog’s Eat My Fish Farm N1321 Bullfrog Rd.,

Menomonie • 664-8775 • www.eatmyfish.com/ • On Sunday afternoons between Mother’s Day and late September, the Bullfrog Fish Farm offers “hobo lunches” on the beach. You can catch your own trout and have it cooked up fresh. Non-fish eaters can get a buffalo brat or a “Sleazy Cheese” sandwich (with tomato and pesto on grilled bread). Group reservations available, outdoor (pond side) seating, private party services, vegetarian friendly, wheelchair accessible.

Entrée: $14. A G S R

Red Robin 3005 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 834-4438

• www.redrobin.com • This energetic and fun chain eatery is known for its gourmet burgers, which come in more than 15 styles, all with bottomless steak fries. Open late Friday and Saturday, with the mascot appearing on Tuesdays. Entrée: $8-$11. A G

Red Zone Sports Bar 2071 S. Prairie View Rd,

Chippewa Falls • 726-3030 • This down-to-earth and friendly sports bar offers food that goes beyond runof-the-mill bar food. While their burgers are worthy of many compliments, the bar favorite is the Philly Cheesesteak. Also serving appetizers such as cheese curds and wings, and homemade soups. Outdoor seating, smoking allowed, reservations for larger parties, open late. $5-$7.

Manny’s Cocina 4207 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire • 514-0818 • www.mannysmexican.com • Manny’s strives to create a grand view of coastal Mexico through its lush interior and succulent menu packed with seafood, steaks, and Mexican specialties.

Signature items include the Seven Seas Burrito packed with scallops, jumbo white shrimp, and Mahimahi – all covered in a chardonnay sauce. Locals also love the sweet crab-stuffed shrimp, wrapped in bacon and grilled. Very vegetarian friendly, outdoor seating, private and semi-private party and meeting space available. Happy hour runs 3-6pm, seven days a week.

Entrée: $8-$25. A G R Q Porter’s 205 S. Barstow St, in the Ramada, Eau Claire

• 855-0856 • www.ramadaeauclaire.edu • Make sure you take a gander at Porter’s beautiful bar, decked out in rich woodwork (not to mention 12 beer taps). A steak, seafood, and chop house, Porter’s has a classy atmosphere where diners can enjoy everything from upscale suppers to the popular lunchtime meatloaf.

Open for breakfast all week long – check out the skillets. Open late Fri. and Sat., private party/meeting room available, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7-$40. A G R

Red Lobster 1019 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire

• 833-0184 • www.redlobster.com • A local favorite for date nights, birthday parties, and get-togethers, Red Lobster offers a huge selection of fresh fish and shellfish. Playful nautical decor sets the stage for favorites like crab legs, lobster, and seafood platters.

The cheesy garlic biscuits are a guilty pleasure. Open late Fri. and Sat. Lunch Entrée: $7-$14, dinner: $11$25. A G

Shanghai Bistro 2930 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 8353348 • A contemporary urban atmosphere thrives at

from the Dining Guide at: Skoog’s Parkside

“

932 N. Broadway St., Menom. • 235-6124

review by jackystar

The decor is great, the staff is amazing, and the meals are wonderful. I would suggest going for any of the entrees. The grilled chicken burger is also great, really fresh and tender. They also have a wonderful room on the second floor which can be rented out for private parties. I think it would be a great place for a big family outing!

”

Write your own restaurant reviews of more than 250 establishments at www.VolumeOne.org

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

62

More online at VolumeOne.org

Shanghai Bistro - Eau Claire’s only true sushi and sashimi house. Using centuries-old preparation techniques while experimenting with fresh, new seafood (and other ingredients) from well beyond the Midwest, the Bistro’s chefs keep things lively. Signature sushi includes a number of rolls, including the Red Dragon Roll, and the Strange Flavor Chicken stir-fry is a local favorite. Live music Wed, Fri, and Sat, outdoor seating, very vegetarian friendly. Reservations are taken for groups of 8 or more.

Entrée: $8-$9, ala carte sushi starts at $5. A G R Q

STEAKHOUSE Fischer’s On The Green 2333 Hillcrest Pkwy., Altoona • 832-9711 • www.fischersgreen.com • A casual to dressy upscale steak and seafood restaurant with a great view.

Known for their dry-aged steaks. Private party rooms available, some outdoor patio seating, vegetarian friendly, catering available. Free wireless internet. Dinner entrée: $17-$35. A G R Q

High Shores Supper Club 17985 Co. Trk. X, Chippewa

Falls • 723-9854 • www.highshores.com • Home of “fine dining in a casual atmosphere,” High Shores is nestled on the edge of Lake Wissota. The kitchen cuts their trademark steaks by hand and menu favorites like the blackened ribeye and stuffed fillet mignon just might turn you into a regular. If the weather’s nice, motor up to one of the restaurant’s lake docks. Ask about the dinner cruise, and don’t miss the Sunday breakfast buffet. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, private party pavilion. Entrée: $10$20. A G S R

Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub 415 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 835-6621 • www.houligans.net • Rich, worn-in woodwork threads across the walls of Houligans - take a seat at the bar, or in the cozy dining area. It’s a great place to grab a beer and a hearty meal. The menu offers a top-notch selection of steaks and seafood dishes, but the Candied Garlic New York Strip is the big crowdpleaser. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $12-$32. A G R Q Outback Steakhouse 5020 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 552-5293 • www.outback.com • Home of the world-renowned Bloomin’ Onion appetizer, Outback Steakhouse is known far and wide for its robust, Aussiecentric meals. Steaks are cut from Midwestern grain-fed beef, the chicken and fish are never frozen, and most items are made fresh daily. Curbside take-away, call ahead seating, vegetarian friendly, open late Fri and Sat. Entrée: $9-$20. A G R Porter’s 205 S. Barstow St, in the Ramada, Eau Claire

• 855-0856 • www.ramadaeauclaire.edu • Make sure you take a gander at Porter’s beautiful bar, decked out in rich woodwork (not to mention 12 beer taps). A steak, seafood, and chop house, Porter’s has a classy atmosphere where diners can enjoy everything from upscale suppers to the popular lunchtime meatloaf. Open for breakfast all week long – check out the skillets. Open late Fri. and Sat., private party/meeting room available, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7-$40. A G R

Texas Roadhouse 5019 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 838-0035 • www.texasroadhouse.com • Upbeat and energetic, Texas Roadhouse is “that place they line dance every hour.” Their culinary claims to fame are hand-cut steaks and award-winning fall-off-the-bone ribs. Their bread is baked fresh all day long, and they make all dressings and side dishes from scratch. Open late on Fri. and Sat. Entrée: $8-$20. A G

SUPPER CLUB Connell’s Club 12 E11295 Hwy. 12, Fall Creek • 877-

2140 • A juicy, choice cut New York Strip keeps people coming back for more at this casual supper club. Another Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

63

More online at VolumeOne.org

popular item is the Bourbon salmon - a grilled fillet of fresh fish slathered in Connell’s special Bourbon sauce. Outdoor seating on the deck, party rental available on Mondays. Smoking in the bar area only.

Entrée: $7-$25. A G S R

Connell’s II At the Airport 3800 Starr Ave, Eau Claire • 833-9400 • Casual supper club dining with a full view of the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport runway. Known for their steaks and hearty servings of homemade onion rings. Two private party rooms and catering available. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$21. A G R Connell’s Supper Club 18525 50th Ave, Chippewa

Falls • 723-5656 • A classic supper club just off the beaten path serving BBQ ribs, chicken, sandwiches, seafood, and even lambchops – but they’re really known for their steaks and big portions of just about everything. Open until 11pm on weekends, special family style dinner served on Sundays from 11am2pm. Entrée: $12-$19. A G S R

Harpole’s Supper Club 19845 Co. Trk. X, Chippewa

Falls • 723-3006 • Harpole’s is a casual family establishment known for it’s excellent martinis and Old Fashioneds. The $1 burger special on Tuesdays is big with the locals, but the signature BBQ ribs will really give you something to talk about. Entrée: $5$14. A G S R

Jake’s Supper Club E5690 County Rd. D,

Menomonie • 235-2465 • www.jakesontainterlake.com • With a menu as large as Jake’s, it’s hard to pinpoint a signature item, but if you ask a regular, they’ll point right to the slow-roasted prime rib. Terrific Lake views, live entertainment all summer long, and a humongous Sunday brunch buffet leave you little (if any) reason to stay away. Three decks of outdoor seating, private party rooms, banquet services, wireless internet.

Entrée: $10-$20. A G S R

friendly. $4-$6.

Skoog’s Parkside 932 N. Broadway St, Menomonie

Raw Deal 603 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 231-

• 235-6124 • www.skoogsparkside.com • Known for their popovers and perfect steaks, Skoog’s fosters a relaxed and casual supper club atmosphere, complete with two waterfalls near the patio. Check out the Friday night fish fry and salad bar. Banquet facility can accommodate 100 people. Vegetarian friendly, Sunday brunch, free wireless internet. Entrée: $10-$25. A G R

WORLD Haymarket Grill 101 Graham Ave., Eau Claire •

552-3400 • www.haymarketgrill.com • Contemporary American style cuisine that constantly evolves in tune with the seasons, assuring some of the freshest ingredients in the valley. They feature an extensive lunch menu with appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches, pastas, and platters. Dinner is veritable worldly adventure with customized pastas, steaks, chops, seafood and more. Some of the more popular dishes include walnut burgers, Greek salads, and seafood. An extensive list of beers, wines, and martinis are available. Catering services. Very vegetarian friendly, open late on weekends, outdoor seating available on the sidewalk.

Free wireless internet. Lunch Entrée: $6-$10, dinner: $14-$30. A G R Q

Olala Paninis & Crepes 4800 Golf Rd., Food Court, Eau Claire • 858-3388 • Healthy choices abound at this food court gem. Order smoothies made out of real fruit and yogurt to accompany your crepe or panini.

Everything is made to order. Choose ingredients such as grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and hummus.

They also offer interesting breakfast options, including the peanut butter and banana panini (grilled sourdough bread) or crepe (thin rolled pancake). Vegetarian

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

64

3255 • www.rawdeal-wi.com • A local oasis for the raw food movement, Raw Deal doesn’t cook any of its food. The menu, which changes daily, blends organic produce to create entrées near-identical in taste to heatprepped cuisine. Made with locally-grown veggies, you’ll find items like creamy green enchiladas, stuffed Portobello mushrooms, and savory cabbage rolls.

Specialty beer and wines are also on the menu. The shop also features a bakery and full service coffee bar which uses organic beans they roast themselves.

Check out the organic fruit smoothies and the key lime bars. Open Sunday mornings, catering services, very vegetarian friendly, music shows and open mic nights.

Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$8. A D G R

The Water Street Deli 522 Water St., Eau Claire •

A deli specializing in Middle Eastern/Syrian cuisine, The Water Street Deli will stock fundamental grocer items as well as Middle Eastern falafels, kabobs, and seasoned rice. n/a.

Zanzibar Restaurant and Pub 228 E. Main St.,

Menomonie • 231-9269 • Deep red walls and rich hardwood accents create a warm and relaxing setting for an exciting, eclectic meal at Zanzibar. The menu contains numerous original dishes inspired by a variety of international cuisines. The most popular item, lavosh, is a thin, cracker bread topped with cheese, veggies, and a variety of meats such as jerk chicken.

The bar can stir up over fifty kinds of martinis, and the wine list has over 80 items. If given the lead time (phone well ahead), Zanzibar’s chefs will even create custom meals. Very vegetarian friendly (any meal can be altered), open late Fri. and Sat. Reservations recommended on weekends. Entrée: $17, tapas: $10.

A G R Q

More online at VolumeOne.org

Make ‘em bring it to your door – just don’t forget the tip.

american

The Barley Club at Pine Meadow 4324 Fairfax Park Dr., EC • 831-9224

Bridge Street Station 212 N Bridge St., CF • 738-1111 • www.burgersandtrains.com

Carl & Cindy’s Embers America 6220 Texaco Dr, EC • 874-6213

Chuck’s On Clairemont 1807 N. Clairemont Ave., EC • 835-2485

City Limits Restaurant 2100 Co. Trk. B, Men • 235-1166

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que 2911 Mall Dr., EC • 835-2227 • www.famousdavesec.com

Four Corners 14982 Co. Hwy. F, CF • 7236783

Glen Loch Saloon 1300 Jefferson Ave., CF •

pizza Boston’s: The Gourmet Pizza 1920 S. Hastings Way, EC • 832-5100 • bostonsec.com Buzzy’s Pizza Emporium 414 Water St., EC • 552-1600 • www.buzzyspe.com

Domino’s Pizza 3311 London Rd., EC • 8333933 // 1719 N Clairemont Ave, EC • 833-3930 // 354 Chippewa Mall Dr, CF • 726-2626 // 1205 Broadway St. S, Men • 232-6333 • www. dominos.com

726-1199 • www.vallysrestaurant.com

asian

Fortune Cookie Chinese Restaurant, Eau Claire 1702 Harding Ave., EC • 833-0088 Fortune Cookie Chinese Restaurant, Menomonie 319 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3532

Golden Dragon 2709 N. Clairemont Ave., EC • 552-2790

Jade Garden 3620 Gateway Dr., EC • 8339868 • www.myspace.com/jadegardeneauclaire

Quick Wok 501 Water St., EC • 832-4545

www.jeffspizzashop.com

JimBob’s Pizza 3636 Melby St, CF • 8360909 • www.jimbobspizza.com Mancino’s Grinders and Pizza 4056 Commonwealth Ave, EC • 835-4000 // 809 W. Clairemont Ave, EC • 835-4100 • www. mancinoseauclaire.com Monkey in the Middle Pizza 2402 Lorch Ave, in Action City, EC • 838-9663 • www. actioncityfun.com 835-5000

Papa John’s Pizza 623 E. Clairemont Ave.,

EC • 839-9393 • www.papajohns.com

Piff’s Pizza 622 N. Bridge St., CF • 720-0915 Pizza Del Re 911 N. Hastings Way, EC • 834-

Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • 720-9800 • www.foreign5. com/lucys

Mancino’s Grinders and Pizza 4056 Commonwealth Ave, Eau Claire • 835-4000 // 809 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • 835-4100 • www.mancinoseauclaire.com Olsen’s Ice Cream Parlor & Deli 611 N. Bridge St, Chippewa Falls • 723-4331

Panera Bread 4601 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 834-9752 • www.panerabread.com Pizza Hut Italian Bistro 2307 Hwy. 25 N, Menomonie • 235-9044 • www.pizzahut.com

See each restaurant’s listing on the preceding pages for more details. Some establishments may have delivery charges, minimum orders, or other restrictions.

0703 • www.pizzadelre.com

Pizza Hut 2602 E. Clairemont Ave, EC • 834-

5346 // 1242 W. Clairemont Ave, EC • 8341004 // 2225 Eddy Lane, EC • 833-1222 // 225 Prairieview Rd, CF • 723-2812 • pizzahut.com

desserts

EC • 833-8440 • www.getdessertfirst.com

Ted’s Pizza Palace 306 E. Main St, Men • 235-0600 • www.tedspizzapie.com

Claire • 514-4549

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop

New York Pizza & Deli 320 Water St., EC •

• 235-9044 • www.pizzahut.com

Simply Cakes 2425 Seymour Rd., Suite 3, Eau

Claire • 833-0600 • www.cousinssubs.com

Erbert and Gerbert’s 409 Water St, Eau Claire

2135 Brackett Ave, Eau Claire • 831-7827 // 923 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire // 1301 N. Broadway, Menomonie • jimmyjohns.com

Pizza Hut Italian Bistro 2307 Hwy. 25 N, Men

Dessert First Bakery Cafe 210 S. Barstow St.,

Cousin’s Subs 311 E. Clairemont Ave, Eau

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar 2703 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 839-8687 // 1515 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3000 • www.greenmill.com

Jeff’s Pizza 145 Main St., Men • 231-3131 •

Vally’s Restaurant 1117 Pumphouse Rd., CF •

Camille’s Sidewalk Café 1120 122nd St., Suite 3, Chippewa Falls • 833-2233 • www. camillescafe.com

830-9362 • www.godfathers.com

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar 2703 Craig Rd.,

• www.rawdeal-wi.com

Chippewa Falls • 720-2360

• 835-9995 // 3003 London Rd, Eau Claire • 552-1933 // 2402 Lorch Ave., Action City, Eau Claire • 838-9663 • erbertandgerberts.com

Jeff and Jim’s Pizza 421 Water St., EC • 8388888 • www.jeffandjims.com

Raw Deal 603 S. Broadway St., Men • 231-3255

Bake ‘n’ Brew Cafe 17255 Co. Hwy. X,

Godfather’s Pizza 2510 Mondovi Rd, EC •

723-1297

Eau Claire • 839-8687 // 1515 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3000 • www.greenmill.com

sandwiches

Sammy’s Pizza Restaurant & Pub 2812 London Rd., EC • 831-1300 • mysammys.com

An d!

This list is always available and up-to-date in the online dining guide at:

Topper’s Pizza 1616 N. Clairemont Ave, EC • 552-1111 // 2159 Eastridge Center, EC • 8331111 • www.toppers.com

Volume One’s Eat Scene 2009

65

More online at VolumeOne.org

FRANK H. ROBINSON

OLIVE & SWISS BURGER and CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD Galloway Grille

ad index ACTION CITY/METROPOLIS HOTEL BACARDI BARLEY CLUB BOSTON’S: THE GOURMET PIZZA BRIDGE STREET STATION BUFFALO WILD WINGS BURRACHOS CIAO LINE BUFFET COFFEE GROUNDS/ALCHEMY FARM COURT ‘N HOUSE DAIRY QUEEN DESSERT FIRST DOOLEY’S PUB DRAGANETTI’S RISTORANTE DUNCAN CREEK WINEBAR & GRILLE EL PATIO ERBERT & GERBERT’S FANNY HILL FISCHER’S ON THE GREEN GALLOWAY GRILLE GLORIA JEANS GRAND AVENUE CAFÉ HAYMARKET GRILL HOULIGANS STEAK & SEAFOOD PUB INFINITEA TEAHOUSE JAMES SHEELEY HOUSE JEFF & JIM’S PIZZA LEINENKUGELS LOG JAM LOOPY’S LUCY’S DELICATESSEN MAPLE LOUNGE CAFÉ & MOTEL MARIE’S ORIGINAL BAKERY MILLER LITE MOGIE’S MONA LISA’S NOODLES & COMPANY NORSKE NOOK RESTAURANT AT NORTHWOODS BREW PUB OBSESSION CHOCOLATES OLIVE GARDEN PIONEER GRILL & SALOON PORTER’S RIVER BEND VINEYARD & WINERY SAMMY’S RESTAURANT & PUB SHANGHAI BISTRO SIMPLY CAKES STATE FARM INSURANCE STAVE & HOOP LIQUOR STELLA BLUES TGI FRIDAY’S THE RAW DEAL TOKYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT WHISKEY DICKS

47 15 47 19 36 51 09 55 53 58 02 58 40 31 26 10 67 55 61 35 63 39 32 53 56 31 27 03 68 56 29 26 16 51 27 13 16 51 04 43 42 35 33 64 37 36 20 13 33 29 63 42 19

Volume One

67

Eat Scene 2009

Volume One

68

Eat Scene 2009